After six years of leading the Tigers and winning a national championship in 2019, Ed Orgeron is set to return to LSU. He will join Lane Kiffin’s roster as a special assistant. This decision has stirred excitement in Louisiana.
Orgeron’s departure in 2021 was accompanied by a $17.1 million buyout, which he accepted after his successful tenure. Now, he’s back to support recruiting and defense under Kiffin, taking advantage of an NCAA rule allowing assistants to recruit.
“I’m excited to bring Coach Orgeron back to LSU,” said Kiffin. “He has the ability to recruit elite players, especially from Louisiana. He understands my expectations for a championship program. I look forward to his impact on recruits and working with our defensive players.”
Orgeron has already acknowledged changes in college athletics, particularly regarding legitimate player payments, remarking with humor about the shift in the recruiting landscape.
This reunion under LSU’s banner marks another chapter in Orgeron’s collegiate coaching adventures with Kiffin. Their collaboration began when Kiffin recruited Orgeron for his Tennessee staff in 2009, followed by their move to USC. Orgeron has credited Kiffin’s potential and recruitment skills from their days at USC, emphasizing the close bond as a reason for his continued collaboration with him.
The new staff at LSU includes another former colleague, Tee Martin, deepening the sense of reunion from their USC days. The pair’s previous coaching stints in Tennessee and USC are well remembered, especially due to the memorable challenges they faced.
Orgeron’s role and experience are significant, particularly in recruiting and defense. His influence is expected to be meaningful, given his track record in these areas.
Kiffin’s decision to add Orgeron, one of college football’s most talked-about coaches, to LSU’s team is creating a buzz. This tenure at LSU will add excitement to Kiffin’s time in Baton Rouge, regardless of how the journey unfolds.
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