In a stunning twist that’s sending shockwaves across the college football world, Edward James Orgeron Jr.—better known to fans as “Coach O”—is officially returning to Baton Rouge.
The 63-year-old national championship-winning coach has agreed to rejoin the LSU Tigers football program, not as the head coach but in a powerful new capacity: Associate Head Coach and Special Advisor to the Program.
“I am coming back to revive the team and see us win again,” Orgeron told a packed room of reporters at Tiger Stadium on Monday morning. “This is home. I never stopped bleeding purple and gold.”
This move marks Orgeron’s first official return to the LSU program since parting ways in 2021 following a disappointing two-year stretch after his iconic 2019 national title run. LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward made the surprise announcement alongside current head coach Brian Kelly in a joint press conference that highlighted “vision, legacy, and unfinished business.”
The Return of a Legend
Orgeron’s return immediately brings energy, nostalgia, and a renewed sense of identity to a program that has struggled to find its footing since that magical 15-0 season in 2019.
Coach O, known for his gravelly Cajun accent, larger-than-life personality, and relentless passion for LSU football, has long been a favorite son in Baton Rouge. His triumphant national championship run—which saw LSU dominate behind the historic play of quarterback Joe Burrow and a record-setting offense—cemented his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in program history.
But after the confetti settled, turbulence quickly followed. In the two seasons that succeeded the championship, the Tigers went 5–5 and 6–7. Amid on-field struggles and off-field scrutiny, LSU and Orgeron mutually agreed to part ways after the 2021 season.
Coach O walked away with grace—and a hefty buyout—but always left the door open for a potential return to coaching under the right circumstances.
Today, that door has opened once again.
What His New Role Means
Coach O will not be calling plays or running practices day-to-day, but don’t be fooled—his influence will be immense.
In his new role as Associate Head Coach and Special Advisor, Orgeron will:
- Mentor the coaching staff, particularly on recruiting, motivation, and defensive line development.
- Advise Head Coach Brian Kelly on program culture, in-state recruiting, and locker room dynamics.
- Serve as LSU’s ambassador on the national stage, representing the Tigers at major events, alumni gatherings, and booster functions.
- Play a hands-on role in player development, especially among defensive linemen—a group he once coached into national prominence.
Kelly, who has gone 10–4 and 9–3 in his first two seasons, was all smiles during the press conference.
“Bringing back Coach O is about embracing the best of who we are,” Kelly said. “No one understands Louisiana, LSU, or the spirit of this place better than him. This move strengthens our foundation and energizes our future.”
Coach O’s Message to the Players
Shortly after the press conference, Coach O met with the current LSU roster inside the Tigers’ locker room. According to multiple sources present, he spoke with the fire and passion that made him a player favorite during his head coaching tenure.
“I came back because y’all deserve greatness,” he told the team. “This jersey, this stadium, this state—they mean something. And I’m gonna fight with you, every day, to bring the fire back.”
The players gave him a roaring ovation. Several veterans reportedly had tears in their eyes as Coach O embraced old staffers and made his way around the room.
A Boost in Recruiting
It didn’t take long for Orgeron’s return to impact recruiting.
Just hours after the announcement, 5-star defensive tackle RayQuan Davis Jr.—a Baton Rouge native and top-10 national recruit—posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Coach O back?? That changes EVERYTHING. #GeauxTigers ”
Orgeron has long been considered one of the most elite recruiters in the nation, particularly in the Southeast. His deep Louisiana roots and ability to connect with families, high school coaches, and recruits on a personal level make him a formidable asset in LSU’s recruiting arsenal.
With Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) changing the recruiting landscape, Orgeron’s return could help LSU recalibrate its message and reestablish dominance in securing in-state talent.
Fan Reaction: A Revival of Spirit
From New Orleans to Shreveport, Tiger fans rejoiced. Social media lit up with tributes, memes, and throwback photos of Coach O during the 2019 run.
At Walk-On’s near campus, bartenders poured “Coach O Shots” while the 2019 title game replayed on loop. LSU fan groups quickly began organizing tailgate events and themed merchandise to welcome their coach home.
“This is what we’ve been missing,” said longtime LSU season ticket holder Marie Guidry. “Not just the wins. The energy. The pride. He is LSU.”
Brian Kelly & Coach O: An Unlikely but Strategic Alliance
On paper, Brian Kelly and Ed Orgeron seem like an unlikely duo. Kelly, a cerebral Midwesterner, built his brand through structure, systems, and consistent top-10 performances at Notre Dame. Orgeron, a fiery Louisiana native, thrived on emotion, intensity, and relentless recruiting.
But Kelly has made it clear: this move isn’t about ego.
“This is about winning championships. That’s why I came here. And that’s why I want Ed here too,” Kelly said.
Sources inside the program say that the two began building a rapport over the last year, with several informal meetings where Orgeron visited the facility and offered insights. Mutual respect grew, and the idea of a formal role began to take shape.
Coach O’s Words to the LSU Faithful
Before wrapping the press conference, Orgeron grabbed the microphone one last time.
“Y’all know I’m not perfect. But my love for this program has never wavered. I’m back to help in any way I can. And together—Coach Kelly, these players, this staff—we gonna win. And we gonna win the right way.”
The crowd erupted with applause.
What’s Next?
LSU kicks off its 2025 season against USC in Las Vegas—a high-profile game that just got even more buzzworthy.
Coach O’s influence will be immediate, especially in energizing the locker room, engaging the fanbase, and elevating LSU’s recruiting pitch. With the SEC undergoing expansion and competition at an all-time high, LSU now boasts one of the most powerful—and uniquely complementary—coaching tandems in the country.
And just like that, the swampy heat in Baton Rouge feels electric again.
Legacy in Motion
Ed Orgeron’s story was already one for the books: a fiery Louisiana native who rose through the ranks, stumbled, and then led his dream school to one of the most dominant seasons in college football history.
But now, that story enters a brand-new chapter.
Not as a head coach. Not as a retiree. But as a force—back in purple and gold, back on the sideline, and back to do what he does best: inspire, lead, and win.
