‘Stick to the game plan’: Les Miles videos urge everyday preventive actions amid pandemic

By Benton Smith Mar 30, 2020

Chris Evans

(Boston, MA, 09/13/19) Kansas Jayhawks head coach Les Miles look back to the sidelines during a timeout in the second half of an NCAA football game against Boston College in Boston, Mass., on Friday, September 13, 2019.

Just like a slew of prominent athletes, leaders and celebrities of late, Kansas football coach Les Miles decided to use social media as a way to urge people to do their small part in fighting a global pandemic.

Via public service announcement type videos posted to Twitter on Monday, Miles spoke about everyday preventative actions that can stop the spread of COVID-19.

“I’m Les Miles, and like you, I’m home,” the first video, posted to KU football’s Twitter account, begins. “These are unforeseen times — things you could not predict. It’s important that we all do our part and stick together.”

Miles thanked people who are “battling for our safety,” such as first responders, medical professionals and essential workers, because they are “fighting for my families, for your families, our safety.”

Miles continues by sharing the CDC’s “game plan,” highlighting the need for people to stay 6 feet apart and to wash their hands for 20 seconds frequently.

“In order for us to win, we’ll need everyone to execute,” Miles urges. “There are people in this country who have already lost loved ones from this virus, which is why it is so important to stick to the game plan. We will return when the time is right. We are all in this together. Stay healthy. Rock chalk.”

Miles took a more lighthearted approach for a second video, which was published on his own Twitter account.

The clip opens with Miles at the kitchen sink washing his hands, with one of his favorite tunes, “New York, New York,” playing in the background.

“Start spreading the news,” Miles begins to croon, before cutting himself off.

“Hey, hold it,” KU’s coach says to himself, transitioning to acting mode. “I need to spread the news,” he yells toward the camera. “This is my job.”

Miles goes on to describe he is in the middle of a 20-second hand-washing. It’s at that point that the coach’s wife, Kathy, joins the scene.

“Whoa, young lady. Back off,” Les warns his wife before she gets too close. “It’s called social distancing. You have to give me 6 feet. Thank you very much.”

The KU football team’s spring practices were wiped out by the pandemic.

KU men’s basketball coach Bill Self and KU Athletic Director Jeff Long both have answered questions from local media via conference calls since sports seasons were shut down by the pandemic. Miles last conducted an interview with local media during KU football’s pro day in early March.