Houston targeting Les Miles, Lane Kiffin for head coaching job

Les Miles and Lane Kiffin are among the top candidates for the Houston Cougars’ head football coach position.

After losing offensive genius Tom Herman to the Texas Longhorns, the Houston Cougars are wasting no time pursuing their next head coach. They say things are bigger in Texas, so naturally they are pursuing Les Miles and Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin.

“I think we have some interest in him, and he has interest in us,” Houston’s board of regents chairman Tilman Fertitta said, via ESPN. “I’m not saying he’s No. 5 on the list or No. 1 on the list. He’s just on the list.”

Miles would be a huge hire for the Cougars. Herman did a lot of wonderful things for Houston and replacing him will be difficult. However, if anyone could fill the huge shoes left by Herman, it’s Miles. The former LSU head coach would be a change for sure, but perhaps he would be a good one. Houston has been terrific offensively under Herman, but they have also struggled defensively.

Miles would change that, as LSU consistently ranked among the top defenses in the NCAA during his tenure.

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However, perhaps Kiffin would be a better fit for the Cougars. Their team is built to be an offensive juggernaut. Miles’ inability to create a top offense perhaps led to his firing from LSU. Meanwhile, Kiffin has done a great job with the Crimson Tide, helping them transition to a more passing-oriented offense. At the same time, he hasn’t forgotten Alabama’s roots, as they still have one of the top rushing attacks in the country.

That said, Kiffin hasn’t had much success as a head coach. So it’s likely Miles is higher on their list than Kiffin, though the Crimson Tide offensive coordinator could get one more shot with Houston.