UNFORGETTABLE 2019 SEASON: LSU TO IMMORTALIZE FORMER HEAD COACH ED ORGERON AFTER HISTORIC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RUN
The 2019 LSU Tigers football season was nothing short of magical—a perfect storm of talent, coaching, and unshakable determination that culminated in one of the greatest campaigns in college football history. At the center of it all was Ed Orgeron, the larger-than-life Cajun coach whose gravelly voice and fiery passion became synonymous with LSU’s dominance. Now, years after that unforgettable run, the university is set to immortalize Coach O, ensuring his legacy lives on forever in Baton Rouge.
From the moment the season began, there was a sense that something special was brewing. LSU, long known for its stifling defense and ground-and-pound offense, had undergone a transformation. Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Joe Brady and quarterback Joe Burrow, the Tigers unleashed a high-flying, record-breaking attack that left opponents in the dust. But it wasn’t just the scheme—it was the culture. Orgeron, a Louisiana native who had once been seen as an unlikely choice for the head coaching job, had galvanized the program with his authenticity and relentless energy.
The season was a masterclass in excellence. Burrow, a transfer from Ohio State who had been doubted early in his LSU career, played like a man possessed, rewriting the record books with 5,671 passing yards and 60 touchdowns. Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson emerged as unstoppable forces at receiver, while Clyde Edwards-Helaire provided balance as a dynamic runner. The defense, led by stars like Derek Stingley Jr. and Grant Delpit, may not have been the vintage LSU unit of years past, but it made critical stops when it mattered most.
Game after game, LSU proved itself as the nation’s best. A thrilling 46-41 victory over Alabama in Tuscaloosa—a place where the Tigers had not won in nearly a decade—served as the turning point. Orgeron’s emotional postgame interview, in which he declared, “We’re going to beat their ass in recruiting, we’re going to beat their ass every time we play them!” became an instant classic. From there, LSU steamrolled through the rest of its schedule, including a dominant SEC Championship win over Georgia.
The College Football Playoff was the final stage for LSU’s coronation. In the Peach Bowl semifinal, the Tigers dismantled Oklahoma 63-28, with Burrow tossing seven touchdowns in the first half alone. Then came the national championship in New Orleans, a dream scenario for a Louisiana team led by a Louisiana coach. Facing a formidable Clemson squad led by Trevor Lawrence, LSU delivered a 42-25 statement victory, cementing its place in history.
Orgeron, with his signature “Go Tigers!” and unfiltered emotion, became an icon. He was more than just a coach—he was a symbol of resilience, a man who had been fired from Ole Miss, worked his way back as an assistant, and then reached the mountaintop at his dream school. His postgame speech, where he thanked everyone from the players to the equipment staff, showcased the humility and gratitude that endeared him to fans.
Now, LSU is ensuring that Orgeron’s contributions are never forgotten. Plans are underway to honor him in a significant way—whether through a statue, a named facility, or another permanent tribute. While his later years at LSU were turbulent, leading to his departure in 2021, the 2019 season remains untouched by time, a flawless masterpiece that deserves celebration.
That team wasn’t just great—it was revolutionary. It changed how LSU football was perceived, proving that the Tigers could dominate with an explosive offense while still upholding the program’s tough, physical identity. More than that, it brought joy to a fanbase that had endured years of near-misses and frustration in the shadow of Alabama’s dynasty.
Ed Orgeron may no longer patrol the sidelines in Death Valley, but his spirit lives on in every “Geaux Tigers” chant, in every replay of Burrow’s Heisman-winning season, and in the memories of a run that felt like destiny. Immortalizing him isn’t just about honoring a coach—it’s about preserving the magic of a season that will forever be etched in college football lore.
The 2019 LSU Tigers didn’t just win a championship. They captivated the nation, redefined excellence, and gave their fans a lifetime of pride. And at the heart of it all was Ed Orgeron—the coach who believed when few others did, and whose legacy will now stand the test of time.
