Ed Orgeron’s Return to LSU: A Promising Reunion with Lane Kiffin

Ed Orgeron, who led the Tigers to a national championship in 2019, is returning to LSU. He will join Lane Kiffin’s staff after a period away from coaching. His return is likely to create interest around the Bayou. Once let go in 2021, Orgeron received a $17.1 million buyout. Now he takes on the role of “special assistant to recruiting and defense.” This new position allows him to recruit, thanks to recent NCAA rule changes.

Lane Kiffin expressed enthusiasm about Orgeron’s return. “I’m excited to bring Coach Orgeron back to LSU,” he said. Kiffin highlighted Orgeron’s national recruiting skills and his deep connections in Louisiana. “Coach O understands my expectations and commitment to being a championship program,” Kiffin added.

The college athletics landscape has evolved, with players now legally earning money. Orgeron humorously remarked, “It’s a minor adjustment. Back then, we used to walk through the back door with the cash, now we just gotta walk through the front door with the cash.”

Orgeron and Kiffin have a history together. In 2009, Kiffin brought Orgeron from the NFL to Tennessee. They later moved to USC, where Orgeron once again took on a defensive role. Recalling their journey, Orgeron shared, “I was like head coach No. 2 on the staff. He was a young coach but a great recruiter and evaluator.”

Both men faced each other in 2020 as head coaches of Ole Miss and LSU, respectively. This reunion is notable not only for the football strategies but also for the personal dynamic between Kiffin and Orgeron. Their past at Tennessee and USC was filled with drama, which adds to the intrigue of their LSU partnership.

Tee Martin, a former colleague, has also joined Kiffin’s staff, creating a nostalgic connection to their past collaborations. Orgeron’s expertise in recruiting and defense will be valuable. His tenure promises excitement in Baton Rouge, sparking curiosity about how this partnership will unfold.