Lane Kiffin and Ed Orgeron Join Forces at LSU

LSU has made a significant move in college football by securing Lane Kiffin as their head coach. Kiffin was previously with SEC rival Ole Miss and brought notable success to the Rebels. Last year, he led Ole Miss to an impressive 11-1 record and the No. 6 spot in the College Football Playoff. The team advanced to the semifinals before being eliminated by the Miami Hurricanes.

In the early months of Kiffin’s tenure, he has strengthened LSU’s roster through the transfer portal and assembled a competent coaching staff. Recently, LSU announced a key addition to this team.

“Ed Orgeron is returning to LSU and will serve as the special assistant to recruiting and defense for the Tigers,” the school announced on X, accompanied by a photo of Orgeron and Kiffin shaking hands.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel highlighted Orgeron’s ability to recruit. With changes in recruitment rules, Orgeron can take to the road and recruit for LSU. His extensive recruiting experience, paired with his history at LSU, makes him a valuable asset under Kiffin’s leadership.

Orgeron has a rich history with LSU. He was the head coach from 2016 to 2021 and achieved a 51-20 record, including three bowl wins and a national championship in 2019. That championship team is often celebrated as one of the greatest in college football.

Currently, 13 players from Orgeron’s championship team are in the NFL, including quarterback Joe Burrow with the Cincinnati Bengals and wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase. Other notable NFL players include guards Damien Lewis, Ed Ingram, and center Lloyd Cushenberry, as well as defensive stars like Damone Clark and Patrick Queen.

Orgeron’s previous head-coaching experience at USC and Ole Miss adds to his credentials, making him an invaluable component of LSU’s rejuvenated coaching staff.