Sources say Miles is out.....those that are in are....

[JohnnyDoeBoiler]

Calhoun from Air Force
Spack from ISU
Brohm from WKU
Fleck from WMU

What appears to me is that Miles was the #1 choice and was targeted early by MBob. When Miles appeared to be waiting out for a better job, MBob has moved to his #2 choice of Fleck. With Fleck holding out until after the Mac Championship game (which he has every right to do so), it appears MBob is targeting a few as his backup plan in the event that Fleck doesn't come down to Purdue.

I would think Brohm/Calhoun would be ahead of a guy like Spack and honestly I could get behind a hire of Brohm before Calhoun. Spack would just be so typical Purdue in its practices that it would leave little to no confidence in the new AD at all. I would rather see some OC's names pop up like Major Applewhite, Lincoln Riley, or take a shot at Lane Kiffin (I know Kiffin would probably bolt after 2-3 years if he is able to show he is competent as a HC after his gaffe at USC, but it would mean Purdue is in a better place roster wise and standing wise with a better overall list of candidates).

Of these 4 that appear to be in play (from my perspective and sources):
1: Fleck
2: Brohm
3: Calhoun
4: Any one other than Brock Spack
5: Brock Spack

 

[Rose Bowl Boilers]

Makes sense, but what is Miles holding out for? The only possibilities for Miles would be ND or Oregon but I don't think that is happening. Miles can't afford to not coach a year...he will be 64 and forgotten at that point. So if he really wants to coach again he has to take a job this year and if Oregon or ND don't open up, we are the next best option.

 

[nat100]

Makes sense, but what is Miles holding out for? The only possibilities for Miles would be ND or Oregon but I don't think that is happening. Miles can't afford to not coach a year...he will be 64 and forgotten at that point. So if he really wants to coach again he has to take a job this year and if Oregon or ND don't open up, we are the next best option.

Could also be that Purdue walked away from him

 

[JohnnyDoeBoiler]

Makes sense, but what is Miles holding out for? The only possibilities for Miles would be ND or Oregon but I don't think that is happening. Miles can't afford to not coach a year...he will be 64 and forgotten at that point. So if he really wants to coach again he has to take a job this year and if Oregon or ND don't open up, we are the next best option.

He could be like Bob Davie, who has carved himself a nice niche at New Mexico following a successful tv gig for a decade. I think Miles could entertain a smaller job like that to build himself something in a place that won't push and pull against him at all times. Honestly, he would face pressure here at Purdue as well...albeit not as hugely stressful as it was at LSU. But every major program has major donors that will pressure a coach and AD in to success.

I think he is over-estimating his worth and no job as good as Purdue's will come along this year...unless he is happy to sit and wait out a year, be an analyst for ESPN/Fox, and come back next year in the event Okie St opens up.

 

[DG10]

Makes sense, but what is Miles holding out for? The only possibilities for Miles would be ND or Oregon but I don't think that is happening. Miles can't afford to not coach a year...he will be 64 and forgotten at that point. So if he really wants to coach again he has to take a job this year and if Oregon or ND don't open up, we are the next best option.

As stated before and elsewhere, he simply may not want to coach this year, and more importantly (and likely), he simply may not want to coach at Purdue.

He is getting paid by LSU regardless, and just being honest, LSU to Purdue is more than just a step back or down...he will not be forgotten as you suggest, and if he does not coach but stays around the game as a commentator, analyst for one of the major networks or is involved as a consultant in some form or fashion somewhere, he will no doubt get another opportunity...and most likely one that is better than taking the Purdue job simply because it is open.

I personally still can't believe that there was any legitimacy ever with respect to his interest or candidacy...it just did not make any sense on his end...it would have been a coup for Purdue, but, if it were going to happen, it would have happened already, and for that matter, long ago it would seem.

 

[DG10]

Calhoun from Air Force
Spack from ISU
Brohm from WKU
Fleck from WMU

What appears to me is that Miles was the #1 choice and was targeted early by MBob. When Miles appeared to be waiting out for a better job, MBob has moved to his #2 choice of Fleck. With Fleck holding out until after the Mac Championship game (which he has every right to do so), it appears MBob is targeting a few as his backup plan in the event that Fleck doesn't come down to Purdue.

I would think Brohm/Calhoun would be ahead of a guy like Spack and honestly I could get behind a hire of Brohm before Calhoun. Spack would just be so typical Purdue in its practices that it would leave little to no confidence in the new AD at all. I would rather see some OC's names pop up like Major Applewhite, Lincoln Riley, or take a shot at Lane Kiffin (I know Kiffin would probably bolt after 2-3 years if he is able to show he is competent as a HC after his gaffe at USC, but it would mean Purdue is in a better place roster wise and standing wise with a better overall list of candidates).

Of these 4 that appear to be in play (from my perspective and sources):
1: Fleck
2: Brohm
3: Calhoun
4: Any one other than Brock Spack
5: Brock Spack

I agree on your point with respect to there should have been some OC names pop up, especially those that you alluded to.

It has been known since Bobinski was hired that it was inevitable that he would be hiring the next football coach, and in short order most likely...it had to be part of the interview process for that matter for the AD position...so the ball should have been rolling from the outset with respect to putting together a target list that at that point would not have included Miles, but, should have included OCs along the lines of what you identified.

To me, if Purdue does not make a fairly big splash with this hire, it is just going to continue to be an afterthought...on the field, and as importantly, off of the field. Outside of Miles and Fleck at this point, there is no splash being made if it is any of those other guys, and if it is Spack, it is the equivalent of doing a belly flop into an entirely empty pool...you have him as option 5 on your list that you provided, and I would have had that slot as cancel the program ahead of the option of hiring him as the next HC at Purdue.

 

[pboiler18]

As stated before and elsewhere, he simply may not want to coach this year, and more importantly (and likely), he simply many not want to coach at Purdue.

He is getting paid by LSU regardless, and just being honest, LSU to Purdue is more than just a step back or down...he will not be forgotten as you suggest, and if he does not coach but stays around the game as a commentator, analyst for one of the major networks or is involved as a consultant in some form or fashion somewhere, he will no doubt get another opportunity...and most likely one that is better than taking the Purdue job simply because it is open.

I personally still can't believe that there was any legitimacy ever with respect to his interest or candidacy...it just did not make any sense on his end...it would have been a coup for Purdue, but, if it were going to happen, it would have happened already, and for that matter, long ago it would seem.

I honestly don't think there was much serious interest on either side. Lazy TV analysts said oh, Purdue is open and Les is open and a Midwest guy and put us together. Good publicity, but he didn't ever want us and I'm not sure we were ever that serious about him.

He's on record somewhere saying he wasn't interested. Enough for me to move on from a has been.

 

[SKYDOG]

Calhoun from Air Force
Spack from ISU
Brohm from WKU
Fleck from WMU

What appears to me is that Miles was the #1 choice and was targeted early by MBob. When Miles appeared to be waiting out for a better job, MBob has moved to his #2 choice of Fleck. With Fleck holding out until after the Mac Championship game (which he has every right to do so), it appears MBob is targeting a few as his backup plan in the event that Fleck doesn't come down to Purdue.

I would think Brohm/Calhoun would be ahead of a guy like Spack and honestly I could get behind a hire of Brohm before Calhoun. Spack would just be so typical Purdue in its practices that it would leave little to no confidence in the new AD at all. I would rather see some OC's names pop up like Major Applewhite, Lincoln Riley, or take a shot at Lane Kiffin (I know Kiffin would probably bolt after 2-3 years if he is able to show he is competent as a HC after his gaffe at USC, but it would mean Purdue is in a better place roster wise and standing wise with a better overall list of candidates).

Of these 4 that appear to be in play (from my perspective and sources):
1: Fleck
2: Brohm
3: Calhoun
4: Any one other than Brock Spack
5: Brock Spack

Sometimes what you have is better than what you want. I know Purdue won't give Parker the job, but the did play a lot better under his leadership. A Parker hire will not sell tickets so for that reason he is not being considered.

I don't know if Fleck or any of these other second tier candidates can walk into a kids home and improve recruiting any better than Parker could have. I sure hope they can, but if Purdue somehow goes with Spack then good luck. That hire won't sell tickets either.

 

[nat100]

Sometimes what you have is better than what you want. I know Purdue won't give Parker the job, but the did play a lot better under his leadership. A Parker hire will not sell tickets so for that reason he is not being considered.

I don't know if Fleck or any of these other second tier candidates can walk into a kids home and improve recruiting any better than Parker could have. I sure hope they can, but if Purdue somehow goes with Spack then good luck. That hire won't sell tickets either.

If you are calling Fleck a second tier candidate, im curious as to whom you think is first tier.

 

[Indy_Rider]

Sometimes what you have is better than what you want. I know Purdue won't give Parker the job, but the did play a lot better under his leadership. A Parker hire will not sell tickets so for that reason he is not being considered.

I don't know if Fleck or any of these other second tier candidates can walk into a kids home and improve recruiting any better than Parker could have. I sure hope they can, but if Purdue somehow goes with Spack then good luck. That hire won't sell tickets either.

Fleck has been on ESPN a lot this year, kids absolutely notice that and know who he is now. That will make a big difference as PJ Fleck now has pretty good name recognition.

 

[BoilerBonz]

"... and if it is Spack, it is the equivalent of doing a belly flop into an entirely empty pool...you have him as option 5 on your list that you provided, and I would have had that slot as cancel the program ahead of the option of hiring him as the next HC at Purdue."

How ignorant can one be?! 90% of this board knows less about football than my wife's cat (which I don't claim), but they sure know what'll make a big splash on Sports Center! And that's how candidates are being judged here, in the world of "Knuckleheads."

 

[SKYDOG]

If you are calling Fleck a second tier candidate, im curious as to whom you think is first tier.

Fleck is not a second tier candidate per my original sentence. That must have not been clear.

 

[nat100]

Fleck is not a second tier candidate per my original sentence. That must have not been clear.

Fair. i may have misread it.

 

[RegionWarrior101]

"... and if it is Spack, it is the equivalent of doing a belly flop into an entirely empty pool...you have him as option 5 on your list that you provided, and I would have had that slot as cancel the program ahead of the option of hiring him as the next HC at Purdue."

How ignorant can one be?! 90% of this board knows less about football than my wife's cat (which I don't claim), but they sure know what'll make a big splash on Sports Center! And that's how candidates are being judged here, in the world of "Knuckleheads."

I liked the guy calling for Lane Kiffin... Al Davis's last regret in a 50 year career of f-ups. 40-36 with one descent season at USC. Yeah, I want to bring "Joey Freshwater" to be the HC.

 

[ghostoffatjack]

Miles could be waiting to see what happens with Oregon to see if who fills that would open up say a UNC or Mississippi state, etc! Still think he could be a good fit if the brings the right OC and DC along with him! I like Fleck too...AF coach experience in recruiting might be a plus or a minus depending how you look at it! Spack would underwhelm me!

 

[ossim]

I hate to say it but Purdue needs a splashy if not serious hire at this point even at the high risk of failure. Spack is hardly a safe bet imo so might as well go big.

 

[ghbucs]

I wonder why Matt Rhule isn't on his list? Guy is a really good football coach. I would like to see Calhoun at Purdue but if not him then Rhule would be a great hire. Better then any of the others including Fleck.

 

[FearTheTrain]

This is a big rebuilding job for a 63 year old coach who is used to coaching much more talent. It never made any sense for either side. He would be a much better fit for ND, which would work out well for us, because they will be paying another big buy out in 3 years when he goes 8-4 at a place with huge expectations.

 

[boilersallthewaynow]

Calhoun from Air Force
Spack from ISU
Brohm from WKU
Fleck from WMU

What appears to me is that Miles was the #1 choice and was targeted early by MBob. When Miles appeared to be waiting out for a better job, MBob has moved to his #2 choice of Fleck. With Fleck holding out until after the Mac Championship game (which he has every right to do so), it appears MBob is targeting a few as his backup plan in the event that Fleck doesn't come down to Purdue.

I would think Brohm/Calhoun would be ahead of a guy like Spack and honestly I could get behind a hire of Brohm before Calhoun. Spack would just be so typical Purdue in its practices that it would leave little to no confidence in the new AD at all. I would rather see some OC's names pop up like Major Applewhite, Lincoln Riley, or take a shot at Lane Kiffin (I know Kiffin would probably bolt after 2-3 years if he is able to show he is competent as a HC after his gaffe at USC, but it would mean Purdue is in a better place roster wise and standing wise with a better overall list of candidates).

Of these 4 that appear to be in play (from my perspective and sources):
1: Fleck
2: Brohm
3: Calhoun
4: Any one other than Brock Spack
5: Brock Spack

Your list makes sense but after Fleck it descends rapidly.

Spack, no thanks

 

[Rose Bowl Boilers]

Miles could take a broadcasting job, but age doesn't go backwards and no one is going to hire him after this year. He will be too old. Yes, broadcasters have gotten jobs after some time off but not senior citizens.

 

[boilerdug]

Could also be that Purdue walked away from him

That was my thought too. Not necessarily away from him, but couldn't afford him and all the others that he wanted to bring with him.

The package, as a whole, may have had too high of a price tag.

 

[BeerbellyBoiler]

Calhoun from Air Force
Spack from ISU
Brohm from WKU
Fleck from WMU

What appears to me is that Miles was the #1 choice and was targeted early by MBob. When Miles appeared to be waiting out for a better job, MBob has moved to his #2 choice of Fleck. With Fleck holding out until after the Mac Championship game (which he has every right to do so), it appears MBob is targeting a few as his backup plan in the event that Fleck doesn't come down to Purdue.

I would think Brohm/Calhoun would be ahead of a guy like Spack and honestly I could get behind a hire of Brohm before Calhoun. Spack would just be so typical Purdue in its practices that it would leave little to no confidence in the new AD at all. I would rather see some OC's names pop up like Major Applewhite, Lincoln Riley, or take a shot at Lane Kiffin (I know Kiffin would probably bolt after 2-3 years if he is able to show he is competent as a HC after his gaffe at USC, but it would mean Purdue is in a better place roster wise and standing wise with a better overall list of candidates).

Of these 4 that appear to be in play (from my perspective and sources):
1: Fleck
2: Brohm
3: Calhoun
4: Any one other than Brock Spack
5: Brock Spack

I put OC in your 4. spot.
5. Coach Parker
6. Cancel Football Program
7. Brock Spack

 

[DG10]

That was my thought too. Not necessarily away from him, but couldn't afford him and all the others that he wanted to bring with him.

The package, as a whole, may have had too high of a price tag.

Seems plausible, except for the fact that they are all being paid by their previous employer...and, Purdue has the money if they wished to spend it...so, if money was the issue, it was Purdue that made it one and they arguably did not need to.

 

[nat100]

Seems plausible, except for the fact that they are all being paid by their previous employer...and, Purdue has the money if they wished to spend it...so, if money was the issue, it was Purdue that made it one and they arguably did not need to.

Miles had offset language. What ever he made at Purdue was not in addition to what LSU owed him.

 

[be_bold_in_gold]

"... and if it is Spack, it is the equivalent of doing a belly flop into an entirely empty pool...you have him as option 5 on your list that you provided, and I would have had that slot as cancel the program ahead of the option of hiring him as the next HC at Purdue."

How ignorant can one be?! 90% of this board knows less about football than my wife's cat (which I don't claim), but they sure know what'll make a big splash on Sports Center! And that's how candidates are being judged here, in the world of "Knuckleheads."

Why did you ever get married if you don't like your wife's cat?

 

[TwinDegrees2]

Calhoun from Air Force
Spack from ISU
Brohm from WKU
Fleck from WMU

What appears to me is that Miles was the #1 choice and was targeted early by MBob. When Miles appeared to be waiting out for a better job, MBob has moved to his #2 choice of Fleck. With Fleck holding out until after the Mac Championship game (which he has every right to do so), it appears MBob is targeting a few as his backup plan in the event that Fleck doesn't come down to Purdue.

I would think Brohm/Calhoun would be ahead of a guy like Spack and honestly I could get behind a hire of Brohm before Calhoun. Spack would just be so typical Purdue in its practices that it would leave little to no confidence in the new AD at all. I would rather see some OC's names pop up like Major Applewhite, Lincoln Riley, or take a shot at Lane Kiffin (I know Kiffin would probably bolt after 2-3 years if he is able to show he is competent as a HC after his gaffe at USC, but it would mean Purdue is in a better place roster wise and standing wise with a better overall list of candidates).

Of these 4 that appear to be in play (from my perspective and sources):
1: Fleck
2: Brohm
3: Calhoun
4: Any one other than Brock Spack
5: Brock Spack

All the above are no better than Hazell. Minor league at best and are not capable of recruiting at the level that is needed in the Big 10 to compete with the OSU's, MSU's, Michigans. Sorry, but that's just my honest opinion. But then.....maybe Purdue is diminished to the lower tier of FB schools.

 

[Statey]

I honestly don't think there was much serious interest on either side. Lazy TV analysts said oh, Purdue is open and Les is open and a Midwest guy and put us together. Good publicity, but he didn't ever want us and I'm not sure we were ever that serious about him.

We may never know how serious MBob was in pursuing Miles, but I think we can safely say if he didn't seriously consider and pursue Miles, then he has no idea what he's doing running the Purdue athletic department.

This isn't to say to Miles is still the coach he was 5 or 10 years ago, or that he would have mirrored his LSU recruiting, or that he turned Purdue into a Rose Bowl team in 2 years. What Miles would have brought to Purdue - in addition to an obvious upgrade in recruiting and coaching acumen - is the instant name recognition that you can hardly put a value on. Purdue needs a LOT more than just a coaching upgrade; the turn-around will be much faster if you have a guy at the helm that knows how to run a bigtime program.

Again, I don't necessarily think Miles would generate overwhelmingly better wins and losses than the other candidates. To me, this all comes down to time and place.... at this time, and at this place in the sad state that it is in... Miles would have been a superb hire for all the intangibles, even if all he did was get Purdue back to a .500 overall record with a losing conference record (i.e. match what Wilson did at IU the past 2 years).

 

[nat100]

What Miles would have brought to Purdue - in addition to an obvious upgrade in recruiting and coaching acumen - is the instant name recognition that you can hardly put a value on.

Coaching acumen was not one of Miles strong suits. Year after year, he made in game mistakes that cost games.

He is a big name. That is the biggest reason so many people think it is a good fit.

 

[Statey]

Coaching acumen was not one of Miles strong suits. Year after year, he made in game mistakes that cost games.

He is a big name. That is the biggest reason so many people think it is a good fit.

Fair enough, but show me a coach that never makes a mistake (to lose a game against a powerhouse SEC team, nonetheless), and I'll show you Nick Saban.

Any coach Purdue hires should be able - by year 2 - to beat the low level FBS teams in the pre-conference and Illinois, and then compete with the likes of Northwestern, Indiana, and Minnesota (although MN had a pretty good year in 2016). I don't expect the next guy to be around 15+ seasons. If somebody could promise he would, that might change my thinking. I'm expecting the next guy to be here 4-6 years, with a chance for more (or a handoff in the case of Miles) if he's successful.

In my opinion, Miles is the guy that can take Purdue from a totally pathetic loser to respectable in the shortest amount of time, which is what is minimally required for Purdue to even be CONSIDERED by a decent coach 5 years from now. Can you imagine how unattractive Purdue would be with another 4-6 years fighting with Illinois to stay out of last place in the B1G West? That's a huge gamble.

Put it this way: Purdue is an average to below average looking guy who has been going out with progressively uglier women for the past 10 years. If he wants to have any shot at getting back into the top half of the dating pool, he has to start dating the best looking girl he can find, even if her best years are behind her and she can't suck-start a Harley quite like she used to.

 

[indyogb]

...I would have had that slot as cancel the program ahead of the option of hiring him as the next HC at Purdue.

I can see that interview now...

Bobinski: "Well... we're down to deciding between you and just cancelling the program, altogether. Mr. Spack, why do you think you are a better option than just not playing football?"

Spack: "..."

 

[TOKenBoiler]

Calhoun from Air Force
Of these 4 that appear to be in play (from my perspective and sources):
1: Fleck
2: Brohm
3: Calhoun
4: Any one other than Brock Spack
5: Brock Spack

Any reason that Fleck wouldn't go to Oregon? I mean, assuming Phil Knight wants him there. Just comparing the two jobs, no extraneous factors, he'd be crazy not to go to Eugene with it's unlimited resources.

 

[todd brewster]

What are the thoughts on Gus Bradley or Art Briles?

 

[BoilerInChiTown]

All the above are no better than Hazell. Minor league at best and are not capable of recruiting at the level that is needed in the Big 10 to compete with the OSU's, MSU's, Michigans. Sorry, but that's just my honest opinion. But then.....maybe Purdue is diminished to the lower tier of FB schools.

Sorry, but all of the above are better than Hazell by default, because we can't possibly worse than 9-33...Calhoun, Brohm, Schiano, Rhule or Fleck should get us back to Iowa's level. We would have to built up from that with our coach after this. Purdue won't be getting an Urban Meyer anytime soon until we become respectable again. It's called baby steps my friends...

 

[Statey]

What are the thoughts on Gus Bradley or Art Briles?

Why does this name keep appearing here? Do people have no souls? The guy was fired from his last job for his role in covering up sexual assault among the football team. And we're not talking about an isolated case. Purdue as an institution should be better than this, and so should its fans.

 

[Statey]

All the above are no better than Hazell. Minor league at best and are not capable of recruiting at the level that is needed in the Big 10 to compete with the OSU's, MSU's, Michigans. Sorry, but that's just my honest opinion. But then.....maybe Purdue is diminished to the lower tier of FB schools.

Purdue is not going to be regularly competing with the likes of OSU and Michigan recruiting in the next 5 years with ANY coach. If that's where you draw the line between upper and lower tier of FB schools, then Purdue is absolutely lower tier and will be as long as Meyer and Harbaugh are around.

 

[New Pal Boiler]

What are the thoughts on Gus Bradley or Art Briles?

Did I miss Gus quitting the NFL?

Maybe he can mend fences with Olson and bring him along as part of the package?

 

[nat100]

Did I miss Gus quitting the NFL?

Maybe he can mend fences with Olson and bring him along as part of the package?

No, I doubt he survives the offseason though

 

[rezzerfly]

I can see that interview now...

Bobinski: "Well... we're down to deciding between you and just cancelling the program, altogether. Mr. Spack, why do you think you are a better option than just not playing football?"

Spack: "..."

If it's Spack...it's not the end of the world...

I'd say we cancel renovations of the stadium so we can build a small 5k'ish hockey arena. That way we can finally add some new sports. We could add m/w ice hockey & men soccer.

 

[BoilerBonz]

Why did you ever get married if you don't like your wife's cat?

She got me before the cat! But good question!

 

[threeeputtt]

Say what one wants to say about Miles, here is his record.

Career Record: 142-55 (15+ years)
LSU Record: 114-34 (11+ years)

2011 AP National Coach of the Year | Details
2011 Home Depot National Coach of the Year | Details
2011 Walter Camp National Coach of the Year
2011 Liberty Mutual National Coach of the Year
Second-winningest coach in LSU history with 114 victories
BCS National Champions in 2007
SEC Champions in 2007 and 2011
13-0 regular-season record in 2011