Ed Orgeron’s coaching career has been a mix of struggles and remarkable success. His first major opportunity as head coach at Ole Miss did not go well, as he finished with a 10-25 record across three losing seasons.
His reputation improved during a stint as interim coach at USC after Lane Kiffin’s dismissal, where he guided the team to a respectable 6-2 record.
A few years later, Orgeron found himself in another interim role at LSU following Les Miles’ exit. He eventually secured the permanent job and delivered solid results in his first two seasons, with LSU winning 19 games between 2017 and 2018. However, expectations in Baton Rouge remained much higher.
Everything changed in 2019. Under Orgeron, LSU produced one of the greatest seasons in college football history, going undefeated, winning the national championship and developing Joe Burrow into both the Heisman Trophy winner and the No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick.
That unforgettable campaign likely influenced the decision to bring Orgeron back to LSU in an assistant role focused on recruiting and defense. Although his reported salary is $100,000, many believe his experience and connection to the program make him far more valuable.
For LSU supporters, memories of the program’s golden era immediately point back to the 2019 title-winning team led by Orgeron.
Whether this return eventually opens the door to another head coaching opportunity remains uncertain, but his larger-than-life personality continues to be viewed as a positive influence for college football.
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