Les Miles Stays at LSU

The headline kind of says it all. According to reports, Les Miles will stay in Baton Rouge instead of taking over the head coaching position at his alma mater of Michigan. That likely makes Miles the coach for life at LSU -- or the coach for however long the Tigers will have him.

"I am pleased to announce that Les Miles will remain the head coach at LSU," said Tigers Athletic Director Joe Alleva. "Les has led this program to many great successes on the field and his players represent LSU well off the field. We look forward to many great years of LSU football under his leadership."

Miles' return could solidify LSU's place as a favorite in the SEC West, or even the favorite, if Cam Newton and Nick Fairley both decide to bolt for the NFL Draft. At the very least, it allows the Bayou Bengals to keep a coach who has now proven he's the guy for LSU.

It also appears to have wrapped up all the coaching drama in the conference for this year. Final toll: Two, with Urban Meyer leaving Florida and Robbie Caldwell getting the boot at Vanderbilt. The hottest seats are occupied by Houston Nutt and Mark Richt, in some order. Contract moves are in the offing for Gene Chizik and Steve Spurrier, after Bobby Petrino signed his deal with a $40 billion buyout. Dan Mullen is wealthier after having interviewed with Miami.

The head coaching talent pool in the SEC is perhaps as deep as it's ever been, though it will take a hit with Meyer's retirement. Les Miles' return simply means that it will stay that way for a while longer.