"We have not discussed Georgia in any way. Certainly, there's word out that Georgia has interest; I have not heard from Georgia. I don't really want to talk about that. It's a distraction to the game," Miles told Nola. com.
Chavis currently makes $450,000 at LSU and Chris Low is saying that UGA has a deal together to pay Chavis $600,000 and offer him a three year contract. The move would make sense in that it would get Chavis closer to his family in Knoxville and South Carolina. However, Chavis has always been very loyal and even turned down a couple pro gigs while at UT. Also, I expect LSU to make a counter offer to keep "Chief" on the Bayou.
Most UT fans will admit this is a good hire for UGA compared to Willie Martinez. Chavis owned UGA for most of his career and has fielded many top 15 defenses. However, Chavis isn't the first or second coach that UGA went after when they started their search. Virginia Tech's Bud Foster seriously considered coming to UGA and Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart doesn't appear to be leaving Tuscaloosa at this time. Of course, we won't find out how interested Smart is until after Bama plays in the BCS National Championship game.
Vols fans aren't worried about Chavis going to UGA as much as they are about who his replacement would be at LSU. Chavis is notorious for his third-and-Chavis defense that gives up big plays and his inability to make adjustments at half time. An annual SEC Eastern matchup with the former Vol would be interesting, but not anything that Lane Kiffin's high-powered offense can't handle.
But in the event Chavis did go to UGA, there is no doubt that UT assistant coach Ed Orgeron would be at the top of LSU's list to replace him. Orgeron turned down the LSU job last year to come coach alongside Lane Kiffin in Knoxville, but could Oregeron turn down a heftier offer this time around to return to his homestate in Louisiana? For that reason, it might be best if Chavis stays put at LSU.
