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DESTIN, Fla. -- Southeastern Conference football coaches are in favor of a post-Thanksgiving signing period, said LSU's Les Miles, who expects the stance to be passed onto the "next judicial issue."
Not so fast, commissioner Mike Slive said. The league opposed a signing period in previous legislations and, though Slive acknowledges that might change, the issue must filter through the system with athletic director and president approval.
"We aren't there yet," Slive said.
The Conference Commissioners Association, which governs signing date, meets in mid-June.
Slive cautions moving the first signing period off early February could alter the recruiting calendar, which most coaches don't want.
"The question is are we going to be willing to make other changes that accompany an early signing date?" Slive said. "I think we need to vet that out and see if the conference wants to change its position. Up to now, the conference has been opposed to it."
Last week, the ACC announced a recommendation for an August signing period.
In an informal CBS poll, nearly 80 percent of 25 FBS head coaches favor early signing. The American Football Coaches Association likely won't recommend an August signing because it undercuts high school coaches who want players motivated.
Miles said the players that grew up admiring a specific school or whose parents attended a school should have an outlet to sign early.
“He knows it well enough to commit," Miles said. "Let’s sign him.”
Miles acknowledges both sides could get buyers remorse but adds, "It should eliminate the guy who goes up to signing day and changes at the last minute."
