Dec 16, 2014 10:12 AM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

The search for the next University of Michigan (UM) head football coach may be down at least one big name, one from the Southeastern Conference.

According to ESPN, Les Miles has informed Louisiana State University (LSU) that he is staying put as the Tigers head football coach. Miles is a UM alum and a former graduate assistant on the football team, but the new report indicates that he is happily employed.

Miles reportedly told LSU athletic department officials that UM did not contact him or his agent, contradicting a report from Go Blue Wolverines last week. Miles reportedly spoke with reporters off the record after the Tigers' Monday evening bowl practice, but a school spokesman backed up the coach's comments after the fact.

According to NOLA.com, Miles has rebuffed UM twice since LSU hired him, and as recently as four years ago. LSU has often answered outside interest in their head football coach with a raise or an extension, such as two years ago when Arkansas was reportedly on the lookout.

Another coaching candidate from the SEC is Dan Mullen, who is coming off his best season leading the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Mullen was born in Penn., Big Ten country, but that is ultimately as close as he has ever been to Michigan.

Still, Football Scoop reported recently that Mullen will not be attracted by money, but by winning a national title. Unnamed sources close to the UM athletic department told the website that Mullen's name has emerged as a leading candidate of late.

As for Jim Harbaugh, the candidate who UM may just be waiting on, a new report has indicated there may be another suitor for the 49ers coach. The Miami Herald learned that the Miami Dolphins may pursue Harbaugh in order to take their team to the next level.

Also expected to pursue Harbaugh, if he does want to leave San Francisco, are the Oakland Raiders and New York Jets.

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