The Detroit Free Press had reported yesterday that Miles was still a candidate for the Wolverines' coaching job because he spoke with officials at his alma mater last Friday. The story quickly made national news and was a top story on ESPN.com yesterday afternoon.

"I had a conversation with Michigan last week that covered a wide range of topics," Miles said in a statement released by LSU's sports information department today. "I was doing nothing more than helping them with their search for a football coach, just as any loyal alumnus might do. It was nothing more than that."

It's not unusual for a coach to talk to a school that is looking for a new coach about possible candidates for the job.

"I'm not a candidate for that job and I will not be a candidate for the job," said Miles, who signed a contract extension last week and has repeatedly said he is not interested in the Michigan job. "I was only assisting them in their search for a coach. I have a great job at a wonderful place, a place that my family calls home. It's time that Michigan goes on with their search for a football coach.

"I'll say it again, I'm going to be the coach at LSU next season."

ESPN announcer Kirk Herbstreit reported on the morning of Dec. 1 that Miles was going to be the coach at Michigan. Miles denounced that report later that day and again that night after LSU beat Tennessee in the SEC championship game.