Tim Fletcher: The Murky John Chavis Situation

Les Miles: deal-maker.

On the night LSU lost to Notre Dame in the Music City Bowl, the Tigers head coach offered then-defensive coordinator John Chavis a 3-year deal worth $5.4 million, easily making Chavis the highest paid assistant coach in college football.

The relationship between Chavis and LSU athletic director Joe Alleva had deteriorated to the point that Miles 'Hail Mary' to retain Chavis and keep him from jumping ship to Texas A&M was never seriously considered.

Documents released to the media Tuesday paint a picture of Chavis and Alleva locking horns over a clause in Chavis contract that would protect the DC if LSU terminated Miles. Chavis was chafed he would lose his job---like all the other LSU assistant coaches---if LSU parted ways with Miles.

Chavis is suing LSU for $445,000 in penalty wages and $205,000 in unpaid vacation and academic bonuses. LSU wants the coach to pay a $400,000 buyout for leaving the program without 30 days notice. The documents indicate Les Miles told Chavis he didn't have to give 30 days notice.

- Tim Fletcher