Former LSU Head Coach Ed Orgeron Discusses Coaching Aspirations
Ed Orgeron—the gravel-voiced, Cajun-blooded legend who brought LSU its most recent national championship—just made it crystal clear: he wants his old job back. And honestly? The man’s not playing games.
During a Wednesday appearance on ESPN’s “UnSportsmanLike,” Orgeron didn’t dance around the question when asked if he’d consider returning to Baton Rouge as Brian Kelly’s replacement. His response was pure Coach O.
“I’d love to,” Orgeron said, his enthusiasm practically jumping through the speakers. “Are you kidding me? Hey, I’m one phone call away. I just gotta get in my truck; I could be there today.”
The Orgeron Era: A Tale Of Triumph and Turmoil
Let’s rewind for a second. Orgeron’s time at LSU was nothing short of cinematic. He went 51-20 across six seasons, with the crown jewel being that unforgettable 2019 campaign. Remember that team? The Tigers went 15-0, steamrolled everyone in their path, and Joe Burrow hoisted the Heisman Trophy before leading LSU to a national championship. It was the stuff of legend—the kind of season that gets immortalized in highlight reels forever.
But college football is a “what have you done for me lately” business. After going 11-11 in his final two seasons, Orgeron and LSU parted ways following the 2021 season. It was described as mutual, though anyone watching knew the writing was on the wall. The program needed a reset, and Orgeron needed a break.
Fast forward to now, and LSU just stunningly fired Brian Kelly after failing to meet the “high hopes” the university had when they hired him away from Notre Dame. The Tigers are now conducting a national search for their next head coach, and Orgeron is making sure his name is in the conversation.
Would Orgeron Join Lane Kiffin’s Staff?
Here’s where things get interesting. One of the hottest names linked to the LSU job is Ole Miss Head Coach Lane Kiffin. The two have history—they worked together at USC under Pete Carroll and again at Tennessee when Kiffin was head coach and Orgeron ran the defense.
When asked if he’d consider returning as an assistant under Kiffin, Orgeron didn’t flinch. “Yeah, I’d consider it,” he said. “I love LSU. I still got my home in Baton Rouge. I loved when I was coaching for Coach Miles being the defensive line coach. I love the Tigers, and if I’m getting back into coaching, for sure I’d consider it. No doubt.”
That is true loyalty. Not everyone would willingly step back into an assistant role after being a championship head coach, but Orgeron’s love for LSU runs deep. He grew up in Larose, Louisiana, just down the road from Baton Rouge, and the Tigers aren’t just a job to him. They’re home.
What Went Wrong With Brian Kelly?
Orgeron didn’t hold back when discussing what he believes went wrong under Kelly’s leadership. According to Coach O, Kelly never fully embraced Louisiana culture, and that disconnect proved fatal.
“I think that’s one of the things—whether it’s true or not—the look from the outside, Brian Kelly never embraced the state of Louisiana,” Orgeron said. “When you get those guys on your side, it’s very powerful. I think getting everybody to pull in the same direction, like Pete Carroll did, like we did, one team, one heartbeat, is gonna be the key for the next coach.”
It is hard to argue with that assessment. LSU fans are passionate, proud, and fiercely protective of their program. They want a coach who understands what it means to represent the state and speak the same language as the parents and players. Kelly, for all his accomplishments at Notre Dame, never quite clicked with that culture.
Can Orgeron Actually Get the Job?
Here’s the million-dollar question: Would LSU actually bring back Orgeron? It’s complicated. On one hand, he’s a proven winner with a national championship ring and deep ties to the state. He knows how to recruit Louisiana, and he understands the culture better than just about anyone.
Plus, his last two seasons at LSU came during a uniquely chaotic time in college football, with COVID-19 disruptions and the early stages of NIL and transfer portal madness. Maybe he deserves another shot under more stable circumstances.
On the other hand, LSU just fired a coach who won at Notre Dame because they wanted elite, sustained success. Can Orgeron deliver that? His final two seasons raised questions, and the program might be looking for someone who can bring both championship pedigree and long-term stability.
Still, Orgeron’s enthusiasm is infectious, and his connection to LSU is undeniable. Whether as a head coach or in some other capacity, don’t be surprised if Coach O finds his way back to “Death Valley” sooner rather than later.
