Les Miles, Dave Brandon meet, but no one's talking

Is Michigan nearing a decision on its next head coach?

LSU coach Les Miles met with Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon Monday regarding the Wolverines' head coaching vacancy, the LSU sports information department confirmed Monday, saying it could only confirm the meeting, not what was discussed.

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Miles, a former Michigan player and assistant coach thought to be among the top candidates for the Michigan job, and Brandon met Monday evening at Miles' condo in Baton Rouge, La., the station reported. Michigan has been without a head coach since Rich Rodriguez was fired last Wednesday following three years and a 15-22 record.

Brandon, his wife, Jan, and two other individuals then flew from Baton Rouge Metro to Willow Run Airport. Miles was not on the plane.

Upon arrival, Brandon was coy with awaiting reporters.

"Yeah, Hawaii was fun," Brandon said, jokingly.

A source with knowledge of the meeting characterized it as "good" and productive but cautioned that no decision had been reached.

LSU athletic director Joe Alleva issued a statement Monday night.

"We continue to work with coach Miles and we remain committed to keeping him as the head coach of the LSU football program well into the future," Alleva said in statement.

Miles is scheduled to speak at the American Football Coaches Association convention in Dallas at 3 p.m. today (Detroit time). His agent, George Bass, also is based in Dallas. He has not responded to several requests for comment.

But Miles is not thought to be the only candidate. Others close to San Diego State coach Brady Hoke, also a former Michigan assistant and thought to be a candidate, stressed Monday night they believe he is still thought to be in the mix. Hoke has made it clear that Michigan is his dream job.

Earlier on Monday, Miles addressed the speculation that he would talk to his alma mater about the opening. He spoke after a news conference to announce LSU defensive back Patrick Peterson's decision to go to the NFL.

"I am told we will speak," Miles said of Michigan. "I am extremely happy here (at LSU). There is a real comfort with my family in Baton Rouge. I think it's best for us that way. I don't think there's anything more to say. Certainly there's no more information that I have that I have just shared with you."

Alleva issued a statement earlier Monday saying he understands Miles' interest in speaking to his alma mater.

Brandon has remained mum on the subject of the search since Wednesday. He has declined several requests to be interviewed.

He did write a blog for www.MGoBlue.com on Monday, and said he was being thorough in his search for the next head coach.

"Some would suggest we should complete this national search in a matter of hours, but this is a critical decision for Michigan athletics and it cannot and will not be made in haste," Brandon said. "Coaches are an interesting, intense group, and although this interviewing process is time-consuming and somewhat demanding, it is an honor to represent Michigan … the process is proceeding with careful consideration as to qualifications, commitment, effectiveness and passion that various candidates would bring to our program."

Brandon said he has heard some "pretty wild" stories regarding his whereabouts since officially beginning the search.

"Some of the so-called news reports over the past week have been simply ridiculous," he wrote.

Meanwhile, Michigan president Mary Sue Coleman told AnnArbor.com on Monday that she doesn't know who will be coaching the Wolverines in 2011. Coleman made an appearance at the faculty Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs.

"No, I don't know who the next football coach is going to be," Coleman was quoted in AnnArbor.com. "I can promise you that the athletic director is working very hard, and that he will do a good job."

Brandon said in his blog that he has heard from a number of fans who have offered a variety of suggestions.

He said he is searching for a coach that "matches" the football program's "particular needs and objectives, on and off the field."

Brandon then asked Michigan fans to support the new coach.

"For those of you who want to help bring Michigan football back to where we all want it to be, you can help by getting behind our new coach and ignoring those who enjoy creating controversy and resentment," Brandon wrote. "The most important thing everyone can do at this point to help Michigan football is to prepare to greet our new coach with all of the support, encouragement and positive energy we can muster."

Michigan is offering two fans an opportunity to win seats for the news conference to announce the news conference with an online contest, "Be There for History," through the athletic department's website at MGoBlue.com.