Former LSU head coach Ed Orgeron appears ready to roam the sidelines again, but the destination remains a mystery. After a four-year hiatus from coaching, the man who led the Bayou Bengals to a perfect season seems eager for a comeback.
Now, the only question left to answer is which Louisiana program he will call home in 2026.
Will Ed Orgeron Reunite with Lane Kiffin at LSU?
Before Lane Kiffin officially took the job in Baton Rouge, rumors swirled about getting the old band back together. The two coaches have history, previously serving as assistants at USC under Pete Carroll from 2002 to 2004. After his time in Los Angeles, Orgeron made stops at Ole Miss and Tennessee, then returned to USC before eventually landing back in his home state with LSU.
He initially joined the staff as a position coach but took over the top spot when Les Miles was fired during the 2016 campaign. That promotion eventually led to the historic, undefeated national championship run in 2019. However, struggles in the following seasons led to his dismissal in 2021, and he hasn’t coached since.
When asked about potentially returning to the Tigers as a defensive coordinator, the 64-year-old spoke positively about the opportunity. “Ed Orgeron on @1010XL, if he would take a job on Lane Kiffin’s LSU staff: “I’d definitely consider it if he asks me. We haven’t talked about it yet. I believe there will be a chance to go there. I hope there will be.”
Adding Orgeron would give LSU a coordinator with serious head coaching and recruiting chops. His eye for talent is already proven in the current roster: Tigers starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was originally an Orgeron recruit back in 2021.
Plus, in his final season on the sidelines, Orgeron’s defense ranked 37th in PFSN’s Defense Impact rankings, which measure effectiveness against both the pass and run.
Could Orgeron Take the Head Job at Tulane?
While a reunion in Baton Rouge is possible, Orgeron might have his sights set on rerunning his own program. Fletcher Mackle of WDSU (New Orleans) shared an update suggesting he is pushing hard for the opening at Tulane. Mackle wrote, “Update:
Trusted Tulane sources tell me:
“Expect a decision this week!”
“No shortage of interest in the Tulane job.
Will Hall, Chris Hampton & Blake Baker have been or will be interviewed.
ALSO…
“Coach O (Ed Orgeron) is making a big push today, and he is very interested.”
That interest could complicate Kiffin’s plans to bring him aboard. The Tulane job appeals to Orgeron for obvious reasons: as a Louisiana native, he knows the Greater New Orleans area intimately, maintaining deep connections with local high school coaches. The opening exists because Jon Sumrall left for Florida, leaving behind one of the best Group of Five programs in the country. The Green Wave has gone 42-12 over the past four seasons, offering an immediate chance to win.
Whether he joins the staff of the team he led to a title or takes over a smaller school with a winning tradition, all signs point to Orgeron returning to the game in 2026.