Two years after signing on to build the football program in Lawrence, Kansas, Les Miles’ harrowing past flooded with sexual misconduct allegations while in charge of the Louisiana State Tigers resurfaced last week, leading to a sealed fate, a job opening and a situation not likely to disappear any time soon.
Miles, hired in 2018 by Kansas Athletics Director Jeff Long, reportedly had a history of texting female students in Baton Rouge, often inviting them to a condo alone. In one alleged instance, Miles offered to advance the career of a student in exchange for sexual favors.
According to an internal investigative report released by LSU on March 4th, detailed allegations also included Miles requesting female student workers aiding recruiting efforts be “attractive, blonde and fit” (USA Today).
When asked about KU’s knowledge of the allegations at the time of the hiring process, university spokesperson Dan Beckler vehemently denied the possibility, but acknowledged the school’s interest in investigating the matter.
Due Diligence
What we cannot afford to lose sight of throughout this fluid situation is the inexistent authenticity of a true hiring process by Jeff Long and Kansas’ Athletics Department back in 2018.
Long’s urge to sign Miles, a long time friend, at Kansas sacrificed thorough examination of the candidates, specifically the uncovered, yet wretched past of the former LSU coach.
When offering his testimony on the process that ultimately led to the hiring of Miles, Long’s inability to name three other candidates from memory speaks to the unprofessional manner and conduct that currently riddles the Kansas Athletics Department.
From The Kansas City Star’s Jesse Newell:
Long’s potential lack of interest in other candidates appeared to come through later in his Feb. 27, 2020 deposition, which took place 16 months after he completed KU’s search.
When asked by Lyons to list the others he’d had in-person interviews with besides Miles, Long failed to correctly identify any of them.
He mentioned:
• “Todd Graham or Grantham” (current Hawaii coach Todd Graham)
• “And then there was the gentleman — and again, I’m struggling with his name. He was working with the L.A. Rams at the time. I could find his name, but it’s not coming to me.” (Rams senior offensive assistant Jedd Fisch)
• “And then I interviewed the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, and I’m going to forget his name as well.” (Lou Anarumo)
Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star “
Kansas’ best course of action is likely to distance themselves from anybody responsible for the lack of a fair process that resulted in the hiring Miles. Achieving a true fresh start is unattainable with Jeff Long and his crew still in the building in Lawrence.
What I find most disappointing aside from Miles’ behavior, is the lack of self-awareness from Long in his official statement.
We need to win football games, and that is exactly what we’re going to do.
Jeff Long, upon the mutually agreed departure between Les Miles and Kansas.
USA Today’s Dan Wolken on Twitter:
