Les Miles out as Kansas football coach after misconduct allegations surface at LSU

Les Miles's tenure at Kansas ended over allegations about his behavior toward female student workers while he was LSU's head coach. (Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press)

Mar 9, 2021 - 16:35
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Les Miles out as Kansas football coach after misconduct allegations surface at LSU

Les Miles and University of Kansas officials “mutually agreed to part ways” Monday night in the wake of allegations of the football coach’s inappropriate behavior toward female students during his tenure at LSU.

The allegations were contained in a report on a 2013 internal investigation of multiple alleged instances of sexual misconduct within the LSU football program, including that Miles contacted some female students via Facebook and text, met them off campus and kissed at least one of them. The report, conducted by an outside law firm and released on behalf of LSU, found no evidence that Miles had sexual relationships with the women. He denied kissing the student.

“This is certainly a difficult day for me and for my family,” Miles said in a statement. “I love this university and the young men in our football program. I have truly enjoyed being the head coach at KU and know that it is in a better place now than when I arrived.

“To our student-athletes, I want you to remember that you came to play for KU and earn a degree here. So, I implore you to stay and build on what we started and do all of the things we talked about doing together. There is a bright future for all of you and for KU Football.”

Miles, 67, had been placed on administrative leave when the report came to light. He had three years remaining on a five-year contract he signed with Kansas in 2018. The Jayhawks finished 3-9 and 0-9, respectively, in his first two seasons.

Miles was the second-winningest coach in LSU history during his tenure from 2005 till 2016. His LSU team won the BCS national championship game, defeating Ohio State.

“I am extremely disappointed for our university, fans and everyone involved with our football program,” Kansas Athletic Director Jeff Long said in a statement. “There is a lot of young talent on this football team, and I have no doubt we will identify the right individual to lead this program.”

A copy of Miles’s contract with Kansas, obtained by ESPN, indicated Miles could be ousted with “just cause” if his conduct was “inconsistent with the professional standards expected of a head coach of a collegiate sports team.” Another clause defines “just cause” as involvement in “any act, situation, or occurrence, or any conduct, which in Athletics of KU’s judgment brings Head Coach and/or KU into public disrepute, embarrassment, contempt, or ridicule.”

Mike DeBord, hired last month as the Jayhawks’ offensive coordinator, was named the interim head coach.

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