BREAKING NEWS: Ed Orgeron Returns to LSU as Bench Coach to Revive the Tigers
In a stunning and unexpected turn of events, former LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron has announced his return to the team, this time in a new capacity.
Orgeron, who led LSU to a national championship in 2019, will be rejoining the Tigers as a bench coach, a position that has fans and analysts alike buzzing with anticipation.
In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Orgeron made his intentions clear: “I am coming back to revive the team and see us win again.”
Orgeron, known for his passionate leadership and deep ties to the LSU program, left a lasting legacy during his tenure as head coach, which spanned from 2016 to 2021.
His greatest achievement, of course, was guiding LSU to a dominant 15-0 season in 2019, capped off by a thrilling victory over Clemson in the national championship game.
However, after a tumultuous period in which the Tigers struggled to maintain their elite status, Orgeron parted ways with LSU following the 2021 season.
Now, after a brief hiatus from coaching, Orgeron is back, but not in the role that fans may have expected.
Rather than stepping back into the head coaching position, which is currently held by Brian Kelly, Orgeron will serve as a bench coach—a position that will allow him to work closely with LSU’s players and staff, particularly in a more hands-on capacity with the team’s offense and defense.
Why the Move?
Ed Orgeron’s return to LSU is both a surprise and a statement of intent.
Many LSU fans and analysts have speculated about Orgeron’s future in the world of college football, especially after his highly publicized exit from the program in 2021.
However, sources close to the Tigers’ administration indicate that this new role is part of a calculated strategy to bolster the team’s performance and inject a new sense of passion into the locker room.
The announcement comes on the heels of a somewhat disappointing season for LSU, despite high expectations under head coach Brian Kelly.
The Tigers have struggled with consistency and have been unable to recapture the form that made them a powerhouse under Orgeron’s leadership.
By bringing in Orgeron as a bench coach, LSU’s administration hopes to reignite the team’s spirit and give the current coaching staff a valuable asset in terms of leadership, experience, and game-day presence.
Orgeron’s return is also seen as a major boost to the morale of the players, many of whom have a deep respect for him.
His fiery speeches and motivational tactics were a hallmark of his previous tenure, and his leadership during the 2019 season remains an indelible part of LSU’s football history. His return, though in a different role, signals a commitment to reclaiming the Tigers’ position among the nation’s elite programs.
Orgeron’s Statement to NBC News
In his exclusive interview with NBC News, Orgeron expressed his excitement about returning to LSU in his new role. “I’m coming back to revive the team,” Orgeron said.
“There’s something special about LSU, and I know what it takes to get this program back to where it belongs. We have incredible talent here, and we’re going to work hard to see this team win again.”
Orgeron made it clear that his decision to return wasn’t about reclaiming the head coaching job but about supporting the team in a way that would help them succeed. “It’s about putting in the work, being a part of the team, and helping our coaches do what they do best. I’ve always loved LSU, and I want to be a part of seeing this program thrive again.”
The 61-year-old former coach also emphasized the importance of maintaining LSU’s rich football tradition while adapting to the changing landscape of college football. “We have to evolve,” he said. “The game has changed, but the heart of LSU football remains the same. I want to help build something sustainable, something that lasts.”
LSU’s New Era Under Brian Kelly
Ed Orgeron’s return comes at a critical juncture for LSU, which has been undergoing a period of transition under current head coach Brian Kelly. Kelly, a seasoned coach from Notre Dame, was hired in 2021 to replace Orgeron following the Tigers’ underwhelming performance in the previous season. While Kelly has brought his expertise to Baton Rouge, he has faced challenges in adapting to the unique culture and expectations at LSU.
Despite the challenges, Kelly remains focused on building a competitive and consistent program. His leadership has brought some stability to LSU, but the addition of Orgeron as a bench coach is seen as a powerful reinforcement to Kelly’s staff. The two coaches share mutual respect, and Orgeron’s role is expected to complement Kelly’s vision for the Tigers’ future.
While Kelly has taken on the responsibility of head coach, Orgeron’s return allows him to focus on specific areas of the team, particularly on the field during games. His experience working with LSU’s defense, as well as his ability to motivate players, will undoubtedly provide valuable insight and energy to the team.
The Fans’ Reaction
The announcement of Orgeron’s return has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from LSU fans. Social media platforms were flooded with praise for the move, with many fans expressing excitement about the possibility of seeing Orgeron back in action. His connection with the LSU fan base is undeniable, and his return is seen as a symbolic moment for the program.
“Coach O is LSU football. He’s the heart and soul of this program,” said one fan on Twitter. “Having him back is going to give us the spark we need to get back to the top. Geaux Tigers!”
Another fan echoed these sentiments, saying, “Orgeron’s energy is infectious. I’ve never seen a coach get the fans as hyped as he did in 2019. This is exactly what we need right now.”
What’s Next for LSU Football?
As LSU prepares for the 2025 season, the addition of Ed Orgeron as a bench coach adds a new layer of excitement and hope to the program. With Orgeron’s extensive experience, passionate leadership, and knowledge of LSU’s football culture, the Tigers are poised to make a strong push back into the national conversation.
Though Orgeron is not returning as head coach, his impact on the Tigers’ future cannot be underestimated. By working closely with players and coaching staff, he can help ensure that LSU stays on track to reclaim its place among college football’s elite programs. The path forward may be challenging, but with Orgeron’s return, LSU football has a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on Baton Rouge as LSU embarks on this new chapter, with the ever-present figure of Ed Orgeron leading the charge from the sidelines.
Whether or not the Tigers return to championship glory remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: LSU’s football future just got a whole lot brighter.
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