Following Brian Kelly’s dismissal, the LSU Tigers are actively seeking their next head football coach, and a former leader from their Death Valley sideline has expressed interest in a possible return.
Ed Orgeron, who holds a national championship ring with the Tigers, recently stated in an interview his desire to once again lead the team in purple and gold.
“Are you kidding me? I’m just a phone call away,” he declared on Unsportsmanlike Radio this past Wednesday. “I just need to hop in my truck, and I could be there today.”
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Orgeron’s tenure with the Tigers spanned from 2016 to 2021, highlighted by his exceptional 2019 squad. Featuring talents like quarterback Joe Burrow and receivers Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase, the team achieved a perfect 15-0 record and secured the national championship.
During his six seasons at LSU, Orgeron compiled a 51-20 record. However, he was let go after a 5-5 showing in 2020, followed by a 6-6 record in 2021.
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As a Louisiana native still residing in the state, Orgeron mentioned the ease of driving to Baton Rouge. He emphasized that if he isn’t selected, the next head coach must deeply integrate with the unique Tigers community.
“During the candidate selection process, it’s crucial to assess if the individual can manage the pressures at LSU and fully embrace the Louisiana culture,” Orgeron commented during the interview. “I believe that one perception, whether accurate or not, was that Brian Kelly never truly connected with Louisiana. Gaining the support of the local community is immensely powerful.”
Despite his desire to return, Orgeron has been out of the head coaching role since 2021. Consequently, other current program leaders are reportedly emerging as frontrunners for the Tigers’ position.
Among these is Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, who shares a strong connection with Orgeron from their time as assistants under the renowned Pete Carroll at USC in the early 2000s. Kiffin also brought Orgeron on as an assistant during his tenure as head coach at Tennessee. When USC approached Kiffin the following season, Orgeron accompanied him to California.
Should Kiffin be appointed in Baton Rouge, Orgeron expressed his willingness to collaborate with him once again.
“I still own my home in Baton Rouge. I enjoyed my time coaching alongside coach (Les) Miles as the defensive line coach. I love the Tigers,” Orgeron stated. “I’m planning to return to coaching, and I would certainly consider it. Absolutely.”
Kelly’s dismissal followed a 49-25 loss to No. 3 Texas A&M, marking consecutive defeats against ranked opponents. Prior to that, No. 9 Vanderbilt defeated LSU, and Kiffin’s Rebels had previously defeated the Tigers this season with a score of 24-19.
Kelly’s record with the Tigers was 34-14 over four seasons. He initially signed a 10-year, $100 million contract to lead LSU after a successful tenure with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
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