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Les Miles "Thrilled" With Jim Harbaugh, Eager To Return To Big House

By: Will Burchfield
@burchie_kid

For the first time in a long time, Les Miles has his autumn Saturdays free.

So later this month, he'll be doing something he hasn't done in 30 some-odd years.

The longtime LSU football coach, who was fired by the University in September, told the Detroit News that he'll be attending the Michigan-Indiana game on Nov. 19 at the Big House. Miles hasn't watched a game in Michigan Stadium since the early '80s.

"I'm going to see if I can find my 'M' jacket," Miles told the News. "It may be a little snug."

A graduate of Michigan, Miles played for Bo Schembechler's Wolverines in 1974 and 1975. He later served as a graduate assistant under Schembechler from 1980-1981.

During Miles' years in Ann Arbor, the Wolverines were a perennial national power. He's pleased to see their current coach, Jim Harbaugh, has helped restore the program's success.

"It's being run the way Bo would have had it run," Miles said. "The success is reminiscent of the success we had when Bo was here. I just know that Jim - I love the Block M hat he wears. You've got to understand something: for a guy who has worn a hat to cover my head my whole career, I could not be any more kin to that hat."

No. 3 Michigan is undefeated through nine games and is in position to qualify for the College Football Playoff. Just two seasons ago, in the year prior to Harbaugh's arrival, the Wolverines finished 5-7.

"I am thrilled with Jim Harbaugh," Miles said. "I love what's going on. He's competitive, he fights and he's teaching what he knows. I can't be any happier.

"They have the opportunity to play for the college playoffs and that says something."

Though he's enjoying being a fan at the moment, Miles told the News he isn't done coaching. In fact, he plans to add to his trophy case. The 62-year-old won a national championship and three SEC titles in 11 seasons at LSU.

"I'm not done climbing," Miles said. "There has to be another championship out there I can win somewhere."

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