Ed Orgeron Returns to LSU
After a six-year stint as head coach, during which he led the Tigers to a national championship in 2019, Ed Orgeron is back at LSU. This time, he’s joining Lane Kiffin’s staff, which is sure to stir excitement in the college football community.
Orgeron has been out of the coaching loop for a bit, and honestly, he’s provided some memorable moments since his departure. Now, he’s back at LSU after being released by former athletic director Scott Woodward in 2021.
When he was let go, Orgeron received a hefty buyout of $17.1 million, a consolation prize of sorts as he walked away with a national title to his name.
In his new role, he will serve as Kiffin’s “special assistant for recruiting and defense.” Interestingly, recent NCAA rule changes mean he’ll be actively involved in recruiting efforts.
“I’m thrilled to have Coach Orgeron back at LSU,” Kiffin stated. “His ability to attract elite talent, especially in Louisiana, is invaluable. He knows my vision for a championship-level program, and I’m eager to see the energy he brings to our players, particularly on defense.”
A point of curiosity is how Orgeron will adjust to the evolving landscape of college athletics, where players can now be compensated legally.
“It’s definitely a shift. Back in the day, you might have slipped cash through the back door. Now, it’s just a matter of bringing it to the front. Just kidding,” Orgeron laughed.
Reuniting Past Connections
The partnership between Coach Orgeron and Lane Kiffin makes sense; they first teamed up in 2009 when Kiffin recruited Orgeron to Tennessee. After Kiffin’s brief tenure at Tennessee, he went to USC, taking Orgeron along to work with him there on defense.
“I was sort of the number two coach on the USC staff. I followed Kiffin because we had a strong relationship,” Orgeron explained. He reminisced about the time spent at Tennessee and the different opportunities that arose. “Tennessee was solid, but let’s face it, USC and Tennessee are not quite the same in terms of prestige.”
Now, years later, they’re back together on campus, adding an interesting dynamic to the Tigers’ program. Tee Martin, also from their past, has joined Kiffin’s staff, which adds to this nostalgic reunion.
There will undoubtedly be mixed reactions about this partnership, as their previous coaching days were not without drama.
Regardless of the past, Orgeron’s wealth of experience, especially on defense and in recruiting, cannot be overlooked.
As Kiffin continues to shake things up at LSU, bringing in one of college football’s most infamous figures promises to make this next chapter in Baton Rouge fascinating.
