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Houston coaching search update as of Saturday, December 3. Lane Kiffin and Les Miles will reportedly interview for the job, however Art Briles will not per the Cougars.
December 3, 2016Houston coaching search update as of Saturday, December 3. Lane Kiffin and Les Miles will reportedly interview for the job.
The Houston Cougars are narrowing in on a trio of candidates: Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, former LSU coach Les Miles. Former Baylor and Houston coach Art Briles will not receive an interview, contrary to earlier reports (update provided below).
It was first reported on Friday that Kiffin would interview for the open position after the Crimson Tide’s SEC Championship Game on Saturday. Miles will now also receive an interview from Houston, according to Brett McMurphy.
Simply looking at Miles’ resume, he would be a home-run hire for Houston. In 16 seasons as a head coach (including four games this year), Miles has compiled a 141-55 record, won two SEC titles and one national championship. He can recruit lights out and is familiar with the Texas landscape, having landed several players from the Lone Star State while at LSU. That being said, Miles goes against the recent trend of Houston hiring up-and-coming coaches. It would be an interesting choice for the program, particularly because he was fired by the Tigers for his stagnant offense.
Tilman Fertitta, the chairman of the University of Houston Board of Regents, believes that Miles “has interest in us [Houston].”
Kiffin, on the other hand, fits the mold. He’s a young, offensive-minded coach who can recruit with the best in the nation. Given the talent in the state of Texas, he would be a lethal hire. It would also be a humble decision for Kiffin, showing that he is prepared to prove himself, and that he’s matured, at a smaller program before taking on the big stage again.
Kiffin’s name is also being mentioned as Ed Orgeron’s top choice to fill LSU’s open offensive coordinator position.
UPDATE – 12/3, 1:56 p.m. ET – Houston Vice President for Athletics Hunter Yuracheck issued the following statement regarding Briles.
“Earlier this week Art Briles expressed interest to me regarding the Houston head coach position. After discussion with University of Houston leadership, we developed a list of candidates to be interviewed that did not included Art. At this time, we will have no further comment on potential candidates or timeline.”
MORE: Lane Kiffin’s Inevitable Departure From Alabama Will Show Whether He’s Matured