LSU Fans Shouldn’t Hold Their Breath for Coaching Changes

LSU Fans and the media have been buzzing about possible changes to Les Miles’ staff, but he is giving every indication of a man that is prepared to stay the course for another year.

The two coaches most mentioned as being on the hot seat (now that Miles job is assured for at least another season) are Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron and Special Teams Coach Bradley Dale Peveto.

Coach Cameron has been the recipient of criticism for the seeming regression of starting QB Brandon Harris and failing to correct LSU’s late season offensive struggles.

This is exacerbated by the fact Les Miles tried to get an extension for Coach Cameron this year, and was turned down by Joe Alleva.

Some in the media have gone so far as to suggest long time Georgia Head Coach Mark Richt might take the coordinators job:

Well, that’s just as dumb of a rumor as you are likely to hear even in a coaching carousel as manic as this year’s.

Mark Richt is going to have his choice of multiple Head Coaching jobs at major schools, and will have no inclination to work under Les Miles as an assistant.

Still, fans want to see change, and they expect to see change.

Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron before a game against the Auburn Tigers at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The offense bogged down badly this year, and the special teams were arguably the worst in the country after years of outstanding performance.

While there has been no official word on possible coaching changes from the powers that be at LSU, there is one clear and unambiguous message coming from another source—the recruiting press.

Bradley Dale Peveto was not brought to LSU to field sterling special teams with poor kickers recruited by others and the thin depth on the Tigers roster.

Peveto was brought in for his recruiting prowess, and specifically to solve the Tigers recruiting woes in NW Louisiana. Here is a tweet from after it was announced that Les Miles was returning as LSU’s Head Coach:

Coach Pev is Coach Peveto, of course. Rashard Lawrence is Louisiana’s Top Prospect in 2016 and one of the best players in the country. He plays at Neville High School in Monroe, Coach Peveto’s territory.

In related news, Nola.com is reporting that Cam Cameron and Les Miles are visiting Feleipe Franks this week at his home in Florida.

Franks would be the highest rated QB to sign with LSU since Jamarcus Russel. According to this report his interest in the Tigers cooled mainly because of the instability on the LSU coaching staff.

Nola.com is guessing Coach Miles and Coach Cameron are going to reassure him that they will both remain in Baton Rouge next fall while they try to talk him into rejoining the nations top rated recruiting class.

There is still work to be done.

Nov 21, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles walks off the field after the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Coach Cameron does not have a contract extension for next year and this must be resolved. But you don’t send coaches out on recruiting visits to the homes of top athletes if you are expecting to turn around and fire them after.

LSU sending Peveto and Cameron out on the recruiting trail is a clear indication they intend to stay the course and not make any major coaching changes.

The fact that athletes as highly regarded as Rashard Lawrence and Feleipe Franks are so interested in meeting them also bodes very well for the future of these coaches and the program……