Kansas coach departs amid sexual misconduct allegations while at LSU

University of Kansas head football coach Les Miles is leaving the school days after a series of sexual misconduct allegations against him during his time at LSU were revealed in an internal investigative report. 

Kansas announced the coach’s departure in a press release Monday, stating that the university and Miles “have mutually agreed to part ways effective immediately.”

“I am extremely disappointed for our university, fans and everyone involved with our football program,” Kansas Athletics Director Jeff Long said in a statement.

“There is a lot of young talent on this football team, and I have no doubt we will identify the right individual to lead this program,” Long added.

“We need to win football games, and that is exactly what we’re going to do,” he added. 

Miles said it was “certainly a difficult day for me and for my family.”

“I love this university and the young men in our football program,” he continued in a statement. “I have truly enjoyed being the head coach at KU and know that it is in a better place now than when I arrived.”

“To our student-athletes, I want you to remember that you came to play for KU and earn a degree here,” Miles added. “So, I implore you to stay and build on what we started and do all of the things we talked about doing together. There is a bright future for all of you and for KU Football.”

Last Thursday, LSU unveiled a 148-page review that detailed alleged instances of Miles texting female students, taking them to his empty condo and making them feel uncomfortable. 

The report noted a female student alleged that Miles kissed her on one occasion and suggested that they get a hotel room together. 

Kansas later that day placed Miles on administrative leave, announcing at the time that it would conduct a review of the allegations. 

According to The Associated Press, Miles has three years left on his initial five-year contract, which pays him $2.775 million annually through December 2023. The contract also includes several bonuses, including a $675,000 retention bonus from last November, the AP reported.