Did anyone have Ed Orgeron returning to LSU on their 2026 Bingo card? We definitely didn’t at Last Word On College Football. On Wednesday night, LSU’s head coach, Lane Kiffin, shared that Coach O is coming back as the special assistant for recruiting and defense.
It Is Official: Ed Orgeron Returns To LSU
The Return of Coach O
“I’m excited to bring Coach Orgeron back to LSU,” Kiffin said. “He brings great recruiting skills and will make a big impact for us in Louisiana. Coach O understands what I want and is just as committed to building a championship team. I’m looking forward to seeing him work with recruits and bring his energy to our defense.”
The NCAA has changed its recruiting rules about special assistants being able to recruit. It means Orgeron can now travel to recruit for the Tigers, promoting two things he knows very well: LSU and Kiffin. This move is sure to get attention in the SEC. Since Kiffin arrived in Baton Rouge, he has brought in the nation’s top recruiting class and transferred in players in his first year.
Kiffin and Orgeron have known each other for almost thirty years, first working together in 2001 under Pete Carroll at USC. Orgeron is often credited as the main recruiter during USC’s successful years.
Orgeron became LSU’s interim coach in 2016 and stayed in the role until 2021, when the school let him go two years after he won the national championship. During those six seasons, he led the Tigers to a 51-20 record.
The 2019 championship team finished 15-0 and is considered one of the best college football teams ever. Quarterback Joe Burrow led the team, along with several future NFL players.
Orgeron grew up in LaRose, Louisiana, and knows the state well.
Specific terms of the new contract for Orgeron were not revealed.
Main Photo: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
