Les Miles is no longer the head coach at the University of Kansas, just days after a 2013 report alleged sexual relations between then-LSU head coach Les Miles and female students. On Monday, the school reported that Miles will be replaced on an interim basis by Mike DeBord as a “national hunt” for a replacement continues, with Kansas stating that they “mutually agreed to part ways.”
“I am extremely disappointed for our university, fans and everyone involved with our football program,” Kansas Director of Athletics 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. We will begin the search for a new head coach immediately with an outside firm to assist in this process. We need to win football games, and that is exactly what we’re going to do.”
Miles leaves Lawrence after just two seasons, with a 3-18 overall record. In 2020, Kansas went winless, losing all nine of its games.
“This is certainly a difficult day for me and for my family,” Miles said in an official 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 is accused of making female students feel “uncomfortable” and of kissing a woman twice in his car, according to a 2013 report published by USA Today (and which can be read in its entirety (with redactions) here). LSU then intervened, prohibiting Miles from being alone with students and requiring him to meet with an attorney.
Miles and LSU could face more consequences in the future. Kansas, on the other hand, made the decision to take the first step toward separation and declared it late on a Monday evening in March in a “news dump” style.
