Ed Orgeron returning to college football on LSU staff

Ed Orgeron is officially back in the college football ranks, and he is returning to a familiar sideline in Baton Rouge.

A Reunion in Baton Rouge

The former LSU head coach has officially joined Lane Kiffin’s staff, serving as a special assistant focusing on recruiting and defense. The move was announced late Wednesday. Orgeron famously led the Tigers from 2016-2021, a tenure highlighted by an undefeated run to the College Football Playoff national championship in 2019.

“I’m excited to bring Coach Orgeron back to LSU,” Kiffin stated. “He brings us tremendous value with his ability to recruit elite players nationally, but especially the impact he can have for us recruiting the great state of Louisiana. Coach O understands my expectations and commitment to being a championship program. I look forward to seeing him with recruits and his intensity working with our defensive players.”

The Resume of Coach O

At 64 years old, Orgeron returns to the collegiate game for the first time since his departure from LSU in 2021. Across his career as a head coach—which includes stints at Ole Miss, USC, and LSU—he has compiled a total record of 67-47.

While his head coaching career is well-documented, Orgeron built his reputation as an elite recruiter. Throughout his career, he has successfully brought top-tier talent to major programs including Syracuse, Tennessee, USC, Miami, and LSU. His focus in this new role will be leaning into those recruiting strengths once again.

A Familiar Partnership

The pairing of Orgeron and Kiffin is far from new. The two have a long history together, having served as assistants under Pete Carroll at USC from 2001-04. They later reunited during Kiffin’s stint at Tennessee in 2009 and his tenure at USC from 2010-13. Interestingly, Orgeron actually took over for Kiffin as interim head coach at USC in 2013.

Orgeron’s homecoming is part of a growing trend in college athletics of former head coaches returning to their previous programs in support roles, joining the likes of Bobby Petrino, Zach Arnett, and Brent Pry. He also follows in the footsteps of LSU basketball coaches Will Wade and Johnny Jones, who have both seen returns to the Baton Rouge campus.