Former LSU Coach Les Miles Sues University Over Win Vacancies, Hall of Fame Eligibility

Former LSU head football coach Les Miles has filed a lawsuit against the university, alleging that vacated wins from 2012-15 are preventing him from being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. The suit accuses LSU of imposing the punishment prematurely and without giving Miles an opportunity to defend himself.

Former LSU head football coach Les Miles is taking legal action against the university, claiming that vacated wins from 2012-15 are keeping him out of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Former LSU Coach Les Miles Sues University Over Win Vacancies, Hall of Fame Eligibility

Miles filed a lawsuit against LSU, the NCAA, and the National Football Foundation (NFF), which oversees the Hall of Fame, on Tuesday. The suit alleges that the defendants "stripped Les Miles – indisputably one of the most esteemed college football coaches in the history of the State of Louisiana – of his established eligibility for the College Football Hall of Fame without an opportunity to be heard."

The NCAA investigation uncovered a Level I recruiting violation involving a rep for the Tigers' athletic department paying the father of a prospective athlete $180,150 over five years. The violation led LSU to self-impose the vacancy of 37 wins during Miles' tenure, dropping his overall record below .600 (108-73). The Hall of Fame requires coaches to have a winning percentage of .600 or higher to be considered for induction.

Former LSU Coach Les Miles Sues University Over Win Vacancies, Hall of Fame Eligibility

Miles claims that he was never given an opportunity to defend himself against the allegations and that the self-imposed punishment was premature. He argues that the NCAA investigation was flawed and that the university did not follow its own procedures in imposing the penalties.

The suit seeks an "appropriate remedy for the blot placed on his good name and reputation," as well as reinstatement of the vacated wins. Miles' overall record would rise to .647 if the wins were restored, making him eligible for the Hall of Fame.

Former LSU Coach Les Miles Sues University Over Win Vacancies, Hall of Fame Eligibility

Miles was head coach at LSU from 2005 to 2016, leading the Tigers to a national championship in 2007. He was hired by the Kansas Jayhawks in 2019 but was fired after two losing seasons.

The NCAA has not yet commented on the lawsuit. The NFF declined to comment, citing its policy of not discussing pending litigation.

LSU has not yet responded to the lawsuit, but the university has previously stated that it stands by its decision to vacate the wins.

Miles is represented by attorney Jim Woodley, who has a history of successfully representing coaches in lawsuits against their former universities. Woodley previously represented former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel and former Florida football coach Urban Meyer in similar cases.

The outcome of the lawsuit could have implications for other coaches who have been penalized by the NCAA. It could also raise questions about the NCAA's enforcement process and the role of universities in self-imposing penalties.