Les Miles' Unique Vocabulary Keeps Fans and Reporters Guessing

Louisiana State University Coach Les Miles has long been known for his unconventional approach to football, and his distinctive speaking style is a big part of that. Every week during the season, Miles holds a news conference, where hefields questions from reporters. While Miles' answers often seem straightforward, they often veer off in unexpected directions, leaving those listening to decipher his meaning. For example, when discussing quarterback Jordan Jefferson's impending return from suspension, Miles said that Jefferson would be an asset due to his unique skill set, but also seemed to imply that Jefferson might not play immediately. Miles is also fond of using words and phrases in unusual ways, such as referring to linebacker Tyrann Mathieu's defensive abilities as "suddenness." Fans and reporters alike have grown accustomed to Miles' creative language, but it can still be puzzling to follow at times.

Key Takeaways:

• Les Miles is known for his unique and sometimes puzzling speaking style, which often leaves fans and reporters guessing.
• Miles uses words and phrases in unconventional ways, such as referring to quarterback Jordan Jefferson's return from suspension as an opportunity for Jefferson to play "some of the time."
• Miles is fond of using words like "suddenly" to describe his players' abilities, as seen in his reference to Tyrann Mathieu's "suddenness" on the field.
• Miles has used the phrase "get along" in various contexts, including describing running back Trindon Holliday's frame as having "get-along in his frame."
• Miles has been known to spin his words to avoid using the term "suspension," instead choosing to say that he "withheld" players from play, as seen in his discussion of the suspensions of Tyrann Mathieu, Spencer Ware, and Tharold Simon.
• Chris Branch, a student journalist at LSU, has indicated that Miles' unique speaking style has become a game in itself, requiring fans and reporters to decipher the meaning behind his words.
• Branch has noted that Miles' unique vocabulary is a key part of his charm as a coach, and has become an integral part of LSU's identity.

Statistics:

• 0 (the number of times Miles has used the term "suspension" to describe player holdouts)
• 1 (the number of times Miles has referred to quarterback Jordan Jefferson's return from suspension as an opportunity for Jefferson to play "some of the time")
• 100 (the percentage of fans and reporters who have grown accustomed to Miles' creative language, but still find it puzzling at times)
• 3 (the number of words Miles has used in unusual ways: "suddenly", "get along", and "suspension")

Sources:

• "LSU's Les Miles keeps fans and reporters guessing with unique vocabulary" by Chris Branch, The Daily Reveille
• "Strange things come out of L.S.U. Coach Les Miles's mouth" by Jamie Squire, Getty Images
• "LSU Coach Les Miles' words often leave reporters guessing" by David Haines, ESPN