Following the firing of Brian Kelly, the LSU coaching search is underway, with former national championship-winning coach Ed Orgeron immediately expressing his desire for a return to the Tigers program.
Why Was Brian Kelly Fired? LSU fired Kelly following consecutive losses to ranked opponents. The team fell 49-25 to No. 3 Texas A&M one week after losing to No. 9 Vanderbilt.
Kelly’s tenure with the Tigers ends with a 34-14 record over the course of four seasons. He had signed a 10-year, $100 million deal to become LSU’s head coach after a successful career with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Ed Orgeron Signals Desire for Return
Orgeron, who coached the Tigers from 2016-21, made his interest in the job clear. “Are you kidding me? I’m one phone call away,” Orgeron said, adding, “I just gotta get in my truck, I could be there today.“
He led LSU to a perfect 15-0 season and a national championship in 2019 with a team that included Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson, and Ja’Marr Chase. Orgeron’s overall record was 51-20 before he was ousted following a 6-6 campaign in 2021.
Orgeron on Embracing Louisiana Culture
Orgeron stressed the importance of the next coach connecting with the state and its community. “When they meet with the candidate, is this the person that can handle the pressures of LSU and embrace the state of Louisiana?” he asked.
He suggested this was an issue for his predecessor. “It looked from the outside Brian Kelly never embraced the state of Louisiana,” Orgeron said. “And when you get those guys on your side, it’s very powerful.“
Lane Kiffin Among LSU Next Head Coach Candidates
Amid the Lane Kiffin LSU rumors, the Ole Miss head coach is reportedly among the LSU next head coach candidates. Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels defeated the Tigers earlier this season, 24-19.
Orgeron and Kiffin have a long professional history, having worked together as assistants for Pete Carroll at USC. Kiffin later hired Orgeron as an assistant at both Tennessee and USC.
Orgeron Open to Assistant Role in LSU Coaching Search
Orgeron also stated he would be open to working as an assistant for Kiffin if LSU hired him. “I still got my home in Baton Rouge… I’m getting back to coaching.
For sure I’d consider it. No doubt.”
With an Ed Orgeron return to LSU now a stated possibility and Kiffin linked to the opening, LSU’s search for its next head football coach is actively underway.
