Leroy Miles seems to be the right person for the Selma High School football coaching job.

The first thing he said to me about the job was he had wanted it for 15 years.

Miles is not from Selma. He’s wanted to coach the Saints since before he ever moved to the area. He was offensive coordinator the last time the Saints made the playoffs and learned from some people with good resumes — Alabama All-American Woodrowe Lowe and Duke University head coach David Cutcliffe.

I don’t know what kind of offense he plans to run or what defense he will install. Those questions will come in August.

But if he lives up to his word, the Saints will either be disciplined or they won’t have a team.

Miles plans to hold 27 workouts over the summer and if a player doesn’t participate in 22 of them, he won’t be a player any more.

That sounds like a good plan, and I hope the players understand that sweat and hard work in June and July are what lead to wins in October and November.

Miles said the talent in the area is so rich that he can get the Saints back in the playoffs in a year.

I think that’s an ambitious goal, but it’s exactly what the team needs. If no one believes it can be accomplished, then it won’t be.

That confidence starts with the coaching staff and is instilled in the players.

The Saints may not go undefeated. They may have a losing season. But no matter what happens, Miles needs support.

Selma High athletic director Patrick Evans said Miles got the job based on his merits, but was quick to point out that his work will have to speak for itself.

People in this state don’t tolerate losing during football season. I hope Miles at least gets a chance to prove he’s a winner.

Brian Tynes is the sports editor of the Selma Times-Journal. He can be contacted at brian.tynes@selmatimesjournal.com.