Georgia State, led by Trent Miles, went 1-11 last season. (Phil Skinner / AJC)

To mix things up, I thought I’d do a look-ahead to Georgia State’s August camp in a different format, A-to-Z:

I’ll continue to post one letter a day on the blog for the next 26 days:

Today is …

M is for Trent Miles

Georgia State’s coach seems to be on the hot seat with a few fans because of the team has won one game since he took over the program.

Adding fuel to their ire is the buyout on his contract becomes cheaper after this season, just 50 percent of his remaining salary (a recent increase to a base of $463,500 annually as of deal signed in 2012) over what’s left of his contract, which would be two years, or a minimum of $463,500. There was a chance to extend the contract by two years in December, but that wasn’t done. It can be done at any time.

The dissatisfaction with the win-loss record is somewhat understandable considering the success other start-up programs have had. But it doesn’t take into account what Miles inherited when he took over: a roster that was upside down in terms of balance by position and class, facilities that would be considered low- to mid-level FCS and a lack of tradition.

Some of those issues have been resolved and Miles said now that those pieces have been fixed, winning is what’s needed.

In the third year at his previous job at Indiana State Miles led the Sycamores to a winning season, so if you believe in patterns there are reasons to be optimistic.

Other reasons: Most of the offense returns and the defense, which was among the worst in FBS last year, upgraded several positions with an influx of transfers.

Add in this, athletic director Charlie Cobb said he usually evaluates coaches on a three-year cycle. Last year was the first that he and Miles worked together. This will be the second.