I don't think we have a lot to fear about Miles. First, as many people in the past have pointed out, he is heavily dependent on his coordinators. If they come with him, then that's different, but Miles as a pure coach is not even close to what his record suggests.
Second, his gold recruiting line will vanish and he'll have to earn it at Michigan. He's not going to be gift wrapped 12 of the best players every year like he is at LSU.
Third, his hire is risky because it implies that he has to bring UM back to the promise land. You can't fault UM for trying to get the best coach available, and maybe Miles is just that, but he's going to face an uphill battle in rebuilding that program.
I was of the mind that UM would be better off bringing in a young coach who could rebuild, get Michigan back on track, slowly make them a winner and then hand the program off to someone like Harbaugh or another top-level coach.
I have serious doubts that Les Miles is going to be able to come in and really make a difference. In truth, he could have the same record and recruiting as another younger coach through year two or three, but since they're dishing out the money to Miles, the expectations are going to be weighing the program down. It makes you wonder just how much rebuilding Michigan fans and alumni think is needed. No doubt they'll be patient next year and maybe the year after, but what if Miles isn't taking off in year three?
The thing no one is talking about is that for UM to really take off, Miles will have to recruit on defense as good, if not significantly better, than he has been at LSU. And he has to do this ASAP. If he is ultimately hired, he has to secure a very good/great defensive recruiting class by next winter and he's going to have to do it for about three straight years. That's the reality, and I don't think Miles can do it and meet those expectations.
Let's not forget Miles isn't the brightest light bulb out there too. You're damn right I looked forward to him making a fool of himself.
Long-term I think UM is better off with a young and hungry coach who can rebuild the burnt ashes left by Rich Rod. I don't expect many UM fans to view things like that though.