Former LSU head coach Ed Orgeron is already focused on his next coaching opportunity — and it’s not a comeback to LSU. The man known for his booming Cajun voice, fiery personality, and passionate “Geaux Tigers!” mantra has never been one to sit still for long. After leading LSU to a national championship in 2019 — arguably one of the most dominant seasons in college football history — Orgeron’s career has taken a winding path, one marked by introspection, personal growth, and a renewed hunger to coach again. Yet this time, Coach O isn’t looking backward toward Baton Rouge. His sights are set on something new — a fresh challenge that reignites his competitive fire and allows him to bring his trademark intensity to another program ready for transformation.
Since parting ways with LSU after the 2021 season, Orgeron has largely remained out of the coaching spotlight, taking time to travel, spend time with his family, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life away from the constant grind of college football. But those close to him say he’s never lost his love for the game — or his itch to get back on the sidelines. The 63-year-old coach has quietly stayed connected to football through consulting work, mentoring younger coaches, and making appearances at various football clinics and events across the country.
Orgeron’s time at LSU was nothing short of extraordinary. He took over a program in transition and turned it into a juggernaut. Under his leadership, LSU not only captured the national title but also produced one of the most electrifying offenses college football had ever seen, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, offensive coordinator Joe Brady, and a host of NFL-caliber talent. The 2019 LSU Tigers were a force of nature — undefeated, unstoppable, and unforgettable. Yet, in the years that followed, things fell apart quickly. A combination of staff turnover, recruiting challenges, and off-field controversies led to a sharp decline, and by 2021, Orgeron and LSU agreed to part ways.
Since then, speculation about Orgeron’s next move has been constant. Would he return to college football? Would he take a job in the NFL? Or would he transition into media or consulting full-time? For a while, it seemed he might be content enjoying his post-coaching life. Photos of him vacationing, attending college games, and even exploring new ventures circulated online, painting the picture of a man at peace with stepping away. But as anyone who knows Coach O understands, football runs deep in his veins. It’s not just a profession — it’s a way of life.
Now, with coaching carousel season approaching, Orgeron’s name has begun surfacing again in conversations about potential openings. Multiple sources close to him have said he’s been in quiet discussions with programs looking for a rebuild — the kind of challenge that plays directly to his strengths. He’s known for his ability to motivate, recruit, and connect with players, especially in underdog situations. And while LSU was the pinnacle of his career, Orgeron reportedly believes he still has more to give, more to prove, and more young men to inspire.
Interestingly, while fans in Baton Rouge have often speculated about a possible reunion, Orgeron has made it clear that returning to LSU isn’t on his radar. His departure, though amicable, closed a chapter that he’s ready to leave behind. He has immense respect for the university and the program that gave him his greatest triumph, but he’s looking ahead to new opportunities that align with where he is in life now. Sources close to him describe a coach who wants to build something again — maybe not at a blue-blood program with towering expectations, but at a school hungry for success, one that would benefit from his energy and championship pedigree.
In many ways, this moment feels reminiscent of Orgeron’s earlier career chapters — the rebound after his time at Ole Miss, the rebuilding years as an assistant, and the eventual resurgence at LSU. He’s been here before: counted out, underestimated, and yet ready to prove that he still belongs in the game. His story has always been one of resilience, of lessons learned, and of the power of perseverance. Whether he ends up leading a Power Five team, a mid-major program, or even taking a position in the professional ranks, one thing is certain — Ed Orgeron is not finished with football.
In interviews over the past year, Orgeron has dropped hints about what kind of opportunity might appeal to him next. He’s expressed admiration for programs with strong local recruiting bases and passionate fan communities. He’s talked about the importance of culture — something he understands perhaps better than most. At LSU, his ability to connect with players and foster a family atmosphere was a cornerstone of their success. He often says that his approach to coaching is built on love and accountability — a philosophy that resonates deeply with the players who’ve come through his locker room.
For Orgeron, the next step is about more than just wins and losses. It’s about legacy. After decades in coaching — from his days grinding as a defensive line coach to hoisting the College Football Playoff trophy — he knows what it takes to build a program from the ground up. He’s been through the highs of glory and the lows of criticism, and now, in this later stage of his career, he wants to channel that experience into something meaningful. A new team, a new community, a new mission.
While there’s been no official announcement yet, speculation has linked Orgeron to several potential destinations — both at the collegiate and professional levels. Some insiders suggest he could be eyeing a return to the Pac-12 or Big 12, where programs in transition might benefit from his proven leadership. Others think a smaller school could be a better fit — a place where he can implement his own system without the intense national scrutiny that comes with elite programs. Regardless of where he lands, one thing is certain: any locker room that welcomes Orgeron will instantly gain one of the most passionate motivators in the game.
His players have always been fiercely loyal to him. Former LSU stars like Ja’Marr Chase, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Justin Jefferson have spoken fondly about their time under his leadership, crediting him for creating a culture that felt like family. Even after his departure, many continue to stay in touch with him — a testament to the impact he’s had on their lives beyond football. That ability to connect on a human level, to make players believe in themselves, is what makes Orgeron such a unique figure in college football.
The modern game has changed — with NIL deals, transfer portals, and the evolving structure of college athletics — but Orgeron’s core values remain timeless. He still believes in hard work, discipline, and unity. He still believes that football is about relationships — between coaches, players, and the community. And he still believes in his ability to turn a struggling program into a winner. His track record proves it: wherever he goes, his teams play with heart.
Off the field, Orgeron has also grown immensely. He’s spoken candidly about his past mistakes, the lessons he learned from his Ole Miss tenure, and the personal growth that came through adversity. He’s become a sought-after speaker for leadership and motivational events, often sharing his journey from the bayous of Louisiana to the pinnacle of college football. His story resonates because it’s real — a story of grit, humility, and redemption.
As he looks toward his next opportunity, Orgeron carries with him not just a national championship ring, but decades of wisdom earned through the highs and lows of an unforgiving profession. He understands that football isn’t just about X’s and O’s — it’s about building men, shaping character, and creating a lasting impact. That’s what drives him now.
For LSU fans, the thought of Orgeron coaching elsewhere may feel bittersweet. His 2019 season will forever be etched in Tiger lore — a year when everything clicked, when LSU became the standard of college football excellence. But even as the program continues to chart its own path under Brian Kelly, Orgeron’s legacy in Baton Rouge remains untouchable. He brought home a title, galvanized a state, and reminded everyone of what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
Now, as he prepares to write his next chapter, Ed Orgeron is once again ready to do what he does best — lead, inspire, and build. He may not know exactly where the road will take him, but one thing’s for sure: Coach O isn’t done yet. The fire still burns, the voice still booms, and the heart that once fueled LSU’s championship glory beats just as strong. Wherever he lands next, the football world will be watching — because when Ed Orgeron steps back onto the field, it’s never just another job. It’s a mission. And for Coach O, that mission is far from over.
