LSU has made a significant move in college football by hiring Lane Kiffin as their head coach, taking him from SEC rival Ole Miss earlier this year.
Kiffin had gained attention after leading Ole Miss to an impressive season, finishing with an 11-1 record and securing the No. 6 seed in the College Football Playoff. The team triumphed in two playoff games before facing defeat against the Miami Hurricanes in the semifinals.
Since joining LSU, Kiffin has put together an impressive roster through the transfer portal. His coaching staff has also seen noteworthy additions, including a major announcement made on Wednesday.
“Ed Orgeron is returning to LSU and will serve as the special assistant to recruiting and defense for the Tigers,” LSU shared on X, featuring a photo of Orgeron and Kiffin shaking hands.
Pete Thamel from ESPN highlighted Orgeron’s significant role under the new recruiting rules. Orgeron can now actively recruit on the road, playing to his strengths as an experienced recruiter familiar with LSU and Kiffin.
Orgeron, well-known to LSU supporters, previously head coached the Tigers from 2016 to 2021, achieving a 51-20 record, three bowl victories, and a national championship in 2019. That team is widely regarded as one of the best in college football history.
Thirteen players from the 2019 championship team are now in the NFL. This includes notable names like quarterback Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals), wide receivers Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings), and Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals). Others include guards Damien Lewis (Seattle Seahawks), Ed Ingram (Houston Texans), and center Lloyd Cushenberry (Buffalo Bills).
On defense, notable players are Damone Clark (Detroit Lions), linebackers Patrick Queen (Pittsburgh Steelers), and K’Lavon Chaisson (Washington Commanders). The secondary includes Derek Stingley Jr. (Houston Texans), Kristian Fulton (Kansas City Chiefs), Cor’Dale Flott (Tennessee Titans), and safety Grant Delpit (Cleveland Browns).
Orgeron’s coaching experience includes head coaching roles at USC in 2013 and Ole Miss between 2005-2007, adding value to LSU’s coaching lineup.