Ex-Clemson coach would listen to Miles

• By RANDY ROSETTA
• Advocate sportswriter
• Published: Dec 4, 2008 - UPDATED: 6:58 a.m.

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Another prominent defensive coach looking for work said Wednesday night he would listen if LSU coach Les Miles called.

Former Clemson defensive coordinator Vic Koennig got to know Miles earlier this decade when he was the head coach at Wyoming (2000-02) and defensive coordinator at Troy (2003-04).

“It definitely would interest me because I think the world of coach Miles and what he’s been able to do down there at LSU in a short period of time,” Koennig said Wednesday when reached at home. “Any time I had correspondence with him when we were head coaches, I really enjoyed him. I’ve gotten to know several members of that staff and think a lot of those guys, as well.”

The 47-year-old Koennig chose his words carefully, pointing out that as of right now, there are no openings on Miles’ staff. Koennig was on Miles’ radar in 2005 when he was putting together his original coaching staff and his name also surfaced last year when Miles was looking to replace then defensive coordinator Bo Pellini.

If there turns out to be an opening as expected, Koennig said he or any coach would “be crazy not to take a look.”

“LSU is a wonderful place and it would be a great opportunity for any coach if it plays out that way,” he said.

If Miles has an eye on Koennig, he’s not alone. In fact, time might be of the essence for whoever pursues the Owasso, Okla., native.

Koennig’s alma mater, Kansas State, is in the market for a defensive coordinator. And his old boss at Clemson, Tommy Bowden, may be a candidate for the head coaching position at Mississippi State.

In Koennig’s four-year tenure at Clemson, the Tigers consistently ranked in the top 20 nationally in total defense and scoring defense. Clemson led the Atlantic Coast Conference in scoring defense this season, allowing 16.6 points a game. The Tigers were also in the ACC’s top four in total defense and pass defense.

Over the last six games — after Bowden resigned — Clemson allowed two TDs or fewer, just 24 points total in a three-game winning streak to end the regular season.