In the sultry heat of Baton Rouge, where the air hums with the passion of college football, one name still echoes through the bayous: Ed Orgeron, the gravelly-voiced maestro who orchestrated LSU’s unforgettable 2019 National Championship. That 15-0 season, a symphony of dominance led by Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, saw the Tigers dismantle opponents with a flair that left the nation in awe. Now, after four years away from the sidelines, Coach O is ready to roar again. “I think it’s time… I’m ready to roar again… that itch is back!” he declared on Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take podcast, sending shockwaves through the college football world. At 64, Orgeron’s hunger to return is palpable, and his storied legacy at LSU makes his comeback one of the most tantalizing storylines of the 2025 season.
Orgeron’s 2019 LSU squad wasn’t just a team; it was a phenomenon. With Burrow slinging pinpoint passes to future NFL stars Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, and a defense that tightened when it mattered most, the Tigers went 15-0, culminating in a 42-25 rout of Clemson in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Orgeron’s relentless recruiting, Cajun swagger, and ability to inspire made him the perfect conductor for a team that averaged 48 points per game. He earned the AP College Football Coach of the Year and Home Depot Coach of the Year awards, cementing his place in LSU lore. “That season was a masterclass,” Orgeron reflected in a 2022 interview. “We set the standard at 15-0.” But the highs of 2019 were followed by lows, with LSU slipping to 5-5 in 2020 and 6-6 in 2021, leading to a mutual parting of ways. Orgeron, ever accountable, admitted, “You can’t have two losing seasons at LSU – that’s the standard.”
Since leaving Baton Rouge, Orgeron has been anything but idle. Living in Miami Beach, he’s stayed close to the game, mentoring his sons—Cody and Parker, analysts at Miami, and Tyler, an offensive analyst at Tulane. He’s made appearances at programs like Miami and Tulane, soaking in the energy of college football while reflecting on his next move. “I’ve got my boys settled, coaching football now,” Orgeron said. “It’s been four years since I’ve been out. I’m getting the itch again.” That itch, born from a career that spans a 67-47 record as a head coach at Ole Miss, USC (interim), and LSU, is fueled by his reputation as a relentless recruiter and developer of NFL talent. From Clyde Edwards-Helaire to Derek Stingley Jr., Orgeron’s ability to mold stars is unmatched, making him a hot commodity for programs craving a spark.
The college football landscape has evolved since Orgeron’s departure, with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal reshaping team dynamics. Yet, Orgeron’s adaptability and passion make him a natural fit for this new era. Speculation is rife about where he might land. Tulane stands out as a logical choice, with his son Tyler on staff and Orgeron’s deep Louisiana roots. His championship pedigree could elevate the Green Wave, keeping local talent in-state and building on their recent momentum under coach Jon Sumrall. Auburn, desperate for a recruiting boost, could also benefit from Orgeron’s SEC expertise and Louisiana connections. Even a return to LSU as an assistant isn’t entirely far-fetched, though Brian Kelly’s current tenure makes it a long shot. Other possibilities include Miami, where Orgeron coached defensive linemen in the late 1980s, or Texas A&M, where he has recruiting ties from his time under Dennis Franchione.
Orgeron’s potential return isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about the intangibles. His larger-than-life personality, that unmistakable Cajun drawl, and his ability to rally players and fans alike bring an energy few coaches can match. “Coach O has always been a fighter,” an LSU source noted. “He’ll find a way to make an impact.” Whether as a head coach at a Group of Five program or an assistant at a Power Four school, Orgeron’s presence would electrify any sideline. His one-year stint with the New Orleans Saints in 2008 also opens the door to an NFL return, though college football feels like his true calling.
The question isn’t whether Orgeron can coach—he’s proven that with a national title and a 51-20 record at LSU. It’s whether he can adapt to a sport transformed by NIL and portal chaos. His 2019 triumph showed he can harness talent and culture to create magic. As he eyes a comeback, programs across the country are on notice: Coach O is ready to trade his beach days for the grind of the gridiron. Wherever he lands, expect passion, toughness, and a relentless pursuit of victory. The Tiger legacy lives on, and Ed Orgeron is poised to write its next chapter.
