Quick Read
- Ed Orgeron has publicly expressed his willingness to return as LSU head coach after Brian Kelly’s firing.
- Orgeron led LSU to a 15-0 national championship season in 2019 and maintains a deep connection to Louisiana’s culture.
- He emphasized the need for LSU’s next coach to embrace the state’s unique culture for program success.
- Orgeron is open to returning in a smaller role, potentially as an assistant under Lane Kiffin.
- LSU has appointed Frank Wilson as interim head coach during its national search for a new leader.
Ed Orgeron’s Candid Offer: Ready for Baton Rouge, One Call Away
When the news broke that LSU had parted ways with Brian Kelly, a familiar name quickly surfaced in conversations around Baton Rouge. Ed Orgeron, the coach who guided the Tigers to an unforgettable national championship in 2019, wasted no time letting the world know he’s open for business. In a frank interview with ESPN’s “Unsportsmanlike,” Orgeron’s enthusiasm was palpable. “I’d love to,” he said, when asked if he’d return as LSU’s head coach. “Are you kidding me? Hey, I’m one phone call away. I just gotta get in my truck, I could be there today.”
Kelly’s tenure ended abruptly after LSU’s third loss in four games—a stinging 49-25 defeat to Texas A&M. The university, under Athletic Director Scott Woodward, terminated Kelly’s contract midway through its fourth year, despite the eye-popping $100 million deal he’d signed. For LSU fans, the search for a new leader began immediately, with the stakes as high as ever. The pressure to win a national title is woven into the fabric of the program.
Culture, Connection, and the Louisiana Factor
But for Orgeron, it’s about more than just football. He’s a Louisiana native, and his championship season wasn’t just a statistical triumph—it was a cultural moment for the state. Orgeron stressed that whoever steps into the head coach role must “embrace the culture of Louisiana.” He pointedly remarked, “Whether it’s true or not—the look from the outside, Brian Kelly never embraced the state of Louisiana.”
Why does that matter? In Orgeron’s view, it’s everything. “When you get those guys on your side, it’s very powerful,” he explained. “I think getting everybody to pull in the same direction, like Pete Carroll did, like we did—one team, one heartbeat—is gonna be the key for the next coach.”
Orgeron’s philosophy isn’t just about locker room speeches. It’s about understanding the unique passion, pride, and expectations of LSU fans and the broader Louisiana community. The Tigers aren’t just a football team—they’re a symbol of regional identity. Coaches who thrive here don’t just win games; they become part of the local fabric.
Championship Standards: The Weight of Expectations
At LSU, the expectation is clear: win, and win big. Orgeron knows the pressure intimately. “The expectation at LSU is to win a national championship,” he told ESPN. “The pressure starts to rise around the third year. They give you time. They give you the facilities. They give you the money that you need, and if you don’t reach that, there’s going to be some rumblings.”
Kelly’s record at LSU wasn’t bad by most standards—back-to-back 10-win seasons, and a 34-14 overall mark. But it wasn’t enough. LSU fans measure success by titles, not just wins. The team’s slide in 2025, coupled with questions about Kelly’s connection to the state, created a perfect storm for his dismissal.
Orgeron’s own run at LSU had its highs and lows. After the magical 15-0 championship season in 2019, led by Heisman winner Joe Burrow, the Tigers went 11-11 over the next two years. That led to Orgeron’s exit at the end of 2021—a mutual decision, he says. But the legacy of that 2019 team, which toppled seven top-10 opponents en route to a national crown, remains a high-water mark in college football history.
Potential Paths: Assistant Role, Lane Kiffin, and the Next Chapter
Orgeron isn’t limiting himself to the head coach role. He’s open to returning in other capacities, even as an assistant. Lane Kiffin, the Ole Miss coach rumored to be on LSU’s shortlist, has a long professional history with Orgeron. The two worked together at USC during the Pete Carroll era, and again at Tennessee and Southern California. Orgeron told CBS Sports he’d “consider” joining a staff led by Kiffin, saying, “I love LSU. I still got my home in Baton Rouge. I loved when I coached with coach (Les) Miles being the defensive line coach. I love the Tigers. And I’m getting back to coaching—for sure I’d consider it.”
For now, LSU has tapped longtime assistant and New Orleans native Frank Wilson as interim head coach. Wilson, in his tenth season with LSU, understands the gravity of the moment. “I recognize this opportunity is so much bigger than me. I just happen to be the caretaker at this moment,” he said. His focus is on stabilizing the team ahead of a daunting November 8 matchup at No. 4 Alabama.
What Comes Next for LSU Football?
The road ahead for LSU is filled with uncertainty—and opportunity. The university’s “national search” for a new coach is already drawing attention across the college football landscape. The next leader will inherit a program with elite resources, rabid fan support, and the unrelenting expectation to compete for championships.
For Orgeron, the appeal is more than professional—it’s personal. Baton Rouge is still home. The Tigers are still his team. And the idea of returning, whether as head coach or in another role, clearly excites him. “I love LSU,” he repeated. “If I’m getting back into coaching, for sure I’d consider it.”
As LSU embarks on this new search, the lessons of recent years loom large. Success at this program is about more than X’s and O’s. It’s about heart, culture, and connection. The next coach—whoever it is—will have to win not just games, but the trust and passion of Louisiana itself.
Ed Orgeron’s willingness to return is rooted in more than nostalgia. His championship credentials, understanding of Louisiana’s unique culture, and proven ability to unite a program offer LSU a compelling option as it seeks its next football leader. Yet, the decision ahead will test whether the university prioritizes continuity and cultural fit over the allure of new blood, with the fate of a storied program hanging in the balance.