Thanks for the memories, Les

Les Miles’ tenure as LSU head coach may have come to an end, but it wasn’t without a slew of memorable moments and quirky quotes. Love him or not, the Mad Hatter gave Tiger fans plenty to cheer about in his 12-year tenure.

Here are some of the highlights from Miles’ time in Baton Rouge.

FIVE MEMORABLE QUOTES

Following his players’ 41-35 win against Ole Miss in 2012:
“Spectacular group of men. You go find them, you throw your arms around them and give them a big kiss on the mouth … if you’re a girl.”

On watching game film:
“It’s like reading a book, and it’s exciting. … I don’t read books, but if I read books, it would be like reading a book.”

Explaining a 2010 video that caught him eating a blade of grass during the LSU-Alabama game:
“The grass in Tiger Stadium tastes the best.”

On a marquee quarterback decommitting on National Signing Day:
“He did not necessarily have the chest and the ability to lead a program, so you know.”

After dispelling the “Miles to Michigan” rumors that were swirling in 2007:
“Have a great day!”

FIVE INCREDIBLE WINS

#2 LSU 38 vs. #1 Ohio State 24
After being down 10-0 early in the game, the Tigers come back to beat the Buckeyes and win the 2007 National Championship.

#1 LSU 9 vs. #2 Alabama 6
LSU wins the “Game of the Century” in overtime at Alabama in 2011.

#1 LSU 28 vs. #9 Florida 24
Five converted fourth-downs propel LSU past Florida in a 2007 SEC showdown.

#5 LSU 30 vs. #18 Auburn 24
Matt Flynn hits Demetrius Byrd with 1 second left to give LSU a late win against Auburn in 2007.

#12 LSU 33 vs. #14 Florida 29
A bouncing fake field goal with 35 seconds remaining, followed by a Terrence Toliver touchdown, gives the Tigers a wild win at the Swamp in 2010.

FIVE AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENTS

1
BCS National Championship (2007)

2
SEC titles (2007 and 2011)

114-34
Winning record (77%); second-most wins in school history

69
NFL Draft picks (most in SEC since the 2006 draft)

70
wins in Tiger Stadium, including a school-record 22 straight

This article was originally published in the November 2016 issue of 225 Magazine.