After a grueling summer practice schedule and nine months of anticipation, LSU’s new head football coach Les Miles is ready to take the field in Baton Rouge on September 3. Thousands of fans across the state and the nation will have their eyes glued on the Tiger’s 32nd coach, who nabbed the coveted position after success in assisting the Dallas Cowboys, Michigan, and Colorado and as head coach of Oklahoma State.

What are your main goals for the 2005-06 team?

To pursue excellence. I’d like them to play each day with championship intensity.

What are your thoughts about the upcoming schedule?

North Texas is their league’s champion and Arizona played really well in the PAC-10. We’re going to have to start fast and concentrate on the field.

What has been the most surprising thing about living in Louisiana so far?

I knew that I was going to love the food, but I never knew how much I would enjoy crawfish! I’m not sucking the heads yet, but I sure look forward to crawfish boils now.

How would you compare Tiger fans’ enthusiasm for football to other schools at which you’ve coached?

There’s no passion like that exemplified by the LSU faithful. It’s truly unparalleled. I’ve traveled a lot in the past few months, and met so many people that are not only proud of their school, but of their state and their culture here.

How has life been for you and your wife Kathy since moving to Baton Rouge?

Well, we’ve got four kids: Kathryn Ann (11), Leslie Matthew (9), Benjamin (6) and Mary Grace (2). Outside of football and all of the kids’ events, I have a pretty non-existent social life!

In May, you came to Covington to speak to the Tammany Tigers during your stop on the Tiger Athletic Foundation’s Tiger Tour. What was your impression of the northshore?

I really enjoyed being in St. Tammany. I was welcomed so warmly by so many people. You live in such a beautiful area.

You’ve never been in Death Valley during a football game. What are you expecting?

All I know is that people tell me it’s incredible. All I’ve heard is how unbelievable the pre-game atmosphere is. I’m so ready to experience that.

Can you finish this well-known LSU cheer? “Hot boudin! Cold cous cous! Come on Tigers …”

(Miles laughs out loud, and then calls in his assistant for help before coming up with the correct answer.) Push! Push! Push! That’s my new favorite cheer now.

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