Ed Orgeron Open to LSU Return, Reflects on Brian Kelly Firing and SEC Coaching Vacancies
Baton Rouge, Louisiana — Former LSU head coach Ed Orgeron has set the college football world buzzing once again. In a surprising and heartfelt interview this week, the fiery Cajun and 2019 national championship–winning coach expressed his openness to returning to Louisiana State University following the shocking dismissal of Brian Kelly, while also sharing candid thoughts on the broader coaching carousel currently reshaping the SEC.
Orgeron, who led the Tigers to one of the most dominant seasons in college football history, made the comments during an appearance on Unsportsmanlike Radio, shortly after LSU confirmed Kelly’s firing. His words instantly reignited conversation among Tiger fans still nostalgic for the glory days of 2019.
“I’d love to come back,” Orgeron said with a grin. “Are you kidding me? I’m one phone call away. I just gotta get in my truck and head down to Baton Rouge. That’s home for me.”
The Kelly Era Comes to an Abrupt End
LSU’s decision to part ways with Brian Kelly, announced earlier this week, followed a turbulent season in which the Tigers finished 5–3 after a crushing 49–25 loss to Texas A&M. Athletic Director Scott Woodward said the program “did not meet the standard of excellence that LSU football demands,” signaling frustration with inconsistency and leadership concerns.
Kelly, who joined LSU in 2022 after leaving Notre Dame, went 26–12 during his tenure, including an SEC West title in 2022. However, fans and insiders have long criticized what they described as a “disconnect” between Kelly’s style and the Louisiana football culture — something Orgeron knows all too well.
“When you coach at LSU, it’s not just about football,” Orgeron reflected. “You have to understand the people, the food, the music, the passion. This is Louisiana. The fans want someone who feels what they feel. When they win, they want to celebrate like family. When they lose, they want to see that same hurt in your eyes.”
Orgeron’s Legacy and Redemption Arc
For many Tiger fans, Ed Orgeron’s name still carries weight — and emotion. The Louisiana native guided LSU to a historic 15–0 season in 2019, capped by a National Championship victory over Clemson. That team, led by Joe Burrow, produced one of the most explosive offenses in college football history and remains a touchstone for Tiger pride.
However, Orgeron’s tenure ended on a sour note just two years later. Amid locker-room tension, inconsistent recruiting, and back-to-back subpar seasons, he and LSU agreed to part ways in 2021. Despite that, his connection to Baton Rouge and the state’s football culture has remained strong.
Since leaving LSU, Orgeron has taken a step back from coaching, occasionally appearing at football camps and media events. His enthusiasm about possibly returning feels both nostalgic and genuine.
“I’ll never stop loving LSU,” Orgeron said. “That purple and gold runs through my veins. You don’t just walk away from something like that. You keep it with you forever.”
The SEC Carousel: A Coaching Earthquake
Orgeron also used the moment to reflect on the broader chaos currently engulfing the SEC. With Florida, Auburn, and even Mississippi State reportedly considering staff changes, the conference is witnessing one of its most volatile coaching off-seasons in years.
“There’s no easy job in this league anymore,” Orgeron said. “Every team’s got money, talent, and pressure. You can go 9–3 and still be on the hot seat. That’s just the nature of the SEC now.”
The former coach suggested that the rapid changes stem not only from heightened fan expectations but also from the shifting realities of modern college football — namely, the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era.
“It’s not just about X’s and O’s anymore,” he explained. “You’re managing brands, social media, and money. You’ve got to recruit every day — even your own players. The game’s changing fast, and the best coaches are the ones who can adapt.”
Could the Bayou King Return?
While LSU officials haven’t confirmed any direct communication with Orgeron, insiders suggest that Athletic Director Scott Woodward is exploring all possibilities — from established powerhouses like Lane Kiffin and Mike Norvell to internal candidates such as Frank Wilson, the current interim coach.
Still, the idea of a dramatic Orgeron comeback has fans fired up. On social media, hashtags like #BringCoachOBack and #GeauxOrgeron began trending within hours of his comments.
“He brought us a championship, and he understands Louisiana,” one fan tweeted. “If anyone deserves another shot, it’s Coach O.”
The Road Ahead
Whether Orgeron truly returns or remains a beloved chapter in LSU history, one thing is certain — his love for the Tigers and their fans remains unshaken. His voice, gravelly yet full of pride, still echoes with the unmistakable roar of a man who once led Baton Rouge to glory.
“Whatever happens, I’ll always be a Tiger,” Orgeron concluded. “Always.”
As LSU’s coaching search begins and the SEC’s balance of power shifts once more, one can’t help but wonder: could the man who once restored the Tigers to greatness do it again?