Could Ed Orgeron be about to make a spectacular return to the college football arena? The gravelly-voiced head coach led the LSU Tigers to a national championship before leaving the program in 2021, but even before his former program fired Brian Kelly, the charismatic coach had voiced his desire to make a comeback. If he does, where could Orgeron be destined for?
LSU, Head Coach
They were the best of times, they were the worst of times. “Coach O” led the Tigers to a national championship, but was also the head coach when a Title XI lawsuit was filed against the program. His stint in charge of the Bayou Bengals will be forever defined by those moments, both positively and negatively, especially with the football product falling off a cliff in 2021.
As such, a return to LSU feels like it would be a long shot as a landing spot for Orgeron. However, stranger things have happened in college football. The program is one that maintains relationships with those who have previously delivered success, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s seen as a personality who can rejuvenate a team and fan base while smoothing over fractured relationships with local media.
Florida, Defensive-Line Coach
After deciding to fire Billy Napier, Florida has continued its search for its new head coach. Some of the names that have emerged include Lane Kiffin, Eli Drinkwitz, and James Franklin. However, there may be one potential complication.
Currently, Kiffin appears to be the favorite for the job. After playing down the rumors in the media recently, the frenzy surrounding his potential move to Florida has continued. However, Ole Miss’s head coach’s upcoming decision could affect Orgeron.
During the former LSU head coach’s time at USC, Orgeron was a part of Kiffin’s staff when he was the head coach. The two also spent a stint together at the University of Tennessee from 2001 to 2004. In the recent interview, the former USC coach shared his memories.
“When we first met, Lane, we were working. When guys would go to get workouts in, Lane would stay behind studying film, and was like, You going to work on those muscles, huh? Why don’t you stay here and work on those plays?”
With an amount of funding and investment that rivals even Penn State’s and a history of success, Florida surely has the money to attract Orgeron as well, in the unlikely scenario that Kiffin takes the job.
UAB, Head Coach
With the former LSU coach looking to potentially take a head coaching job, a stint as head coach at a program with less pressure could suit him perfectly. Recently, UAB decided to fire head coach Trent Dilfer following a 53-33 loss to Florida Atlantic.
In sharing his vision for the next hire as the Blazers’ head coach, Athletic Director Mark Ingram might have opened the door for someone like Orgeron to take over at the program.
“We want to find people who have had success, as I said, college success. Coaches who have had some success navigating the transfer rules and managing the players and that kind of thing.” The Athletic director shared the following after the decision.
There won’t be many options available to the American Conference outfit with the resume that Orgeron brings to the table. The Blazers’ location in the SEC heartland might also prove appealing to a head coach with extensive experience in that region.
Oregon State, Head Coach
According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Orgeron has some interest in the Oregon State job. Nakos wrote that “Coach O” is open to returning to the West Coast. This report followed the program’s firing of coach Trent Bray in the wake of a 0-7 start a couple of weeks ago.
Orgeron previously spent several years on the West Coast as an assistant and interim head coach at USC. Similar to UAB, rather than approaching a Big Ten or SEC school, the former head coach could settle down at a program with less pressure. With the Beavers, currently in the midst of a winless season, both sides could do with a new start on the West Coast.
Arkansas Razorbacks, Head Coach
After firing former head coach Sam Pittman, Bobby Petrino is currently the interim head coach at Arkansas. However, after being recently rejected by Dan Mullen, as well as the ongoing coaching carousel, the Razorbacks may have to settle for a more realistic option.
Orgeron’s career has taken him across the college football landscape. However, as a Louisiana native, the former LSU head coach may have some recruitment power in the nearby state.
The Razorbacks may struggle to land top prospects, as they will have to compete with offers from LSU, Texas, and Texas A&M. However, the former LSU head coach’s name as a national championship winner may still hold some influence in the state.
