Ed Orgeron Returns To LSU Staff Under Lane Kiffin

One of the most recognizable figures in LSU football history is officially coming back to Baton Rouge.

Former Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron is returning to LSU as a special assistant to recruiting and defense under head coach Lane Kiffin, the university announced Wednesday night.

It's a major return for the coach who led LSU to one of the greatest seasons in college football history during the Tigers’ unforgettable 2019 national championship run.

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, LSU finalized the deal this week before making the announcement official through the program’s social media accounts.

Lane Kiffin Praises Coach O’s Recruiting Impact

In a statement released by LSU, Kiffin made it clear why bringing Orgeron back was important for the program’s future.

“I’m excited to bring Coach Orgeron back to LSU,” Kiffin said. “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.”

Kiffin also pointed to Orgeron’s intensity and championship mindset as key reasons for the hire.

“Coach O understands my expectations and commitment to being a championship program,” Kiffin added. “I look forward to seeing him with recruits and his intensity working with our defensive players.”

A Legendary LSU Run

Orgeron served as LSU’s head coach from 2016 through 2021 after initially taking over on an interim basis following Les Miles’ departure.

His tenure peaked in 2019 when LSU finished with a perfect 15-0 record and captured the College Football Playoff National Championship behind one of the most dominant teams the sport has ever seen.

That Tigers squad featured stars including Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Grant Delpit, and Derek Stingley Jr.

The championship season cemented Orgeron’s place in LSU football history and made him a beloved figure across Louisiana.

Fans React To Coach O’s Return

Not surprisingly, LSU fans immediately flooded social media with reactions after the news broke.

Many celebrated the return of the energetic Louisiana native whose raspy voice and emotional connection to the program became synonymous with LSU football during its championship era.

Others pointed to Orgeron’s recruiting ties across Louisiana as a major boost for the Tigers moving forward under Kiffin.

At 64 years old, Coach O now returns to the sidelines in a new role, but for LSU fans, seeing him back in purple and gold is already bringing back memories of 2019.