On Sunday, the Les Miles saga at LSU took a surprising twist — it also brought about the end of Mark Richt’s coaching career at Georgia.
LSU coach Les Miles was a dead man walking by all accounts, and boosters were reportedly prepared to write a check up to $20 million to buy out Miles’ contract. The coach even allegedly indicated that he had accepted his fate, and the game against Texas A&M would be his final game for the Tigers. (RELATED: Hero LSU Football Players Fight Floodwaters To Save Woman And Her Son [VIDEO])
However, in a surprising twist of events, LSU athletic director Joe Alleva announced to the media that Miles would remain the football coach following a 19-7 victory. It was such a great win, Miles was even carried off the field by his players.
WATCH:
Les miles isn’t going anywhere. Joe Aleva just said miles will continue at #Lsu pic.twitter.com/bCJQGSpyOW
— Lyons Yellin WWL-TV (@LyonsYellin) November 29, 2015
ESPN reporter Joe Schad elaborated on the rapidly evolving situation, and said that the decision to keep Miles was made during the final game of the regular season.
Public pressure and sentiment key factors in decision to keep Les Miles according to high ranking source Involved in decision — Joe Schad (@schadjoe) November 29, 2015
Decision to retain Les Miles was made in meeting of LSU decision makers during 3rd quarter of tonight’s game, per source
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) November 29, 2015
Miles’ record at LSU is 111-32.
In a mildly surprising move, Georgia fired its coach Mark Richt after 9-3 season that was riddled with injuries, most notably to running back Nick Chubb.
Richt compiled a record of 145-51 over 15 years, but his career was plagued by the inability to win big games and not meet expectations. Richt only managed to win two SEC titles during his career at Georgia. (RELATED: Here Are 11 Photos Of UGA Quarterback’s Soon-To-Be Miss Georgia Girlfriend [SLIDESHOW])
Richt will be owed a buyout of just over $4 million by Georgia.