Former LSU Head Coach Ed Orgeron Dies at His Home at 63

By Mary John

In a heartbreaking development for the world of college football, former LSU head coach Ed Orgeron has passed away at the age of 63. Known affectionately by fans as “Coach O,” Orgeron died peacefully at his home, according to a statement released by his family early Thursday morning. No cause of death has been officially released, but sources close to the family said he died in his sleep.

The Louisiana native, whose gravelly Cajun accent and larger-than-life personality made him a beloved figure in the sport, was most famously known for leading the LSU Tigers to a historic undefeated national championship season in 2019. His death has sent shockwaves through the college football community, drawing tributes from former players, colleagues, rivals, and fans across the country.

A Son of Louisiana

Edward James Orgeron Jr. was born on July 27, 1961, in Larose, Louisiana, a small town nestled in Lafourche Parish deep in Cajun country. His Louisiana roots would go on to define not only his career but his identity. He embodied the state’s spirit in every way — tough, passionate, loyal, and unfiltered.

After playing college football as a defensive lineman at LSU and later at Northwestern State, Orgeron transitioned into coaching in the mid-1980s. His journey took him across the country, from Miami to Syracuse, before he gained national recognition as one of the top defensive line coaches in the country at the University of Southern California under Pete Carroll in the early 2000s.

But Orgeron’s true dream was always to coach in his home state. That dream came true in 2016, when he was named interim head coach at LSU following the firing of Les Miles — and later awarded the full-time job.

2019: The Year of Perfection

Orgeron’s legacy will forever be tied to the magical 2019 LSU season — one of the greatest in college football history. Under his leadership and behind the arm of Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow, the Tigers went 15-0 and claimed the national championship in dominant fashion, defeating Clemson 42-25 in the title game.

That LSU team wasn’t just dominant; it was transcendent. It set numerous NCAA records, including most points scored in a season, and featured a bevy of future NFL stars like Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Patrick Queen.

“Coach O changed my life,” Burrow said in a social media tribute on Thursday. “He believed in me when a lot of people didn’t. He let us be ourselves and turned us into champions. I’ll always love him for that.”

Orgeron was named the 2019 AP Coach of the Year, and his team’s offensive explosion — powered by innovative passing game coordinator Joe Brady — revolutionized modern SEC football. But beyond the X’s and O’s, what stood out most was how much his players loved playing for him. He was a players’ coach through and through, often emotional, always authentic.

“Geaux Tigers”: A Rallying Cry

One of the most enduring symbols of Orgeron’s LSU tenure was his signature sign-off: “Geaux Tigers.” Delivered in his unmistakable gravelly growl, it became a rallying cry for the fan base and a catchphrase recognized nationwide.

His pregame speeches, full of passion and intensity, often went viral and energized fans and players alike. He wasn’t just a coach — he was a symbol of LSU football culture. Cajun, tough, raw, and unfiltered.

Even in retirement, he remained an ambassador for LSU and the state of Louisiana, appearing at events, supporting local charities, and showing up at Tiger games with the same infectious energy that made him a household name.

A Complex Coaching Journey

Though Orgeron’s career reached its zenith in 2019, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. He had earlier coaching stops that were marred by struggles, including a tough stint as the head coach at Ole Miss from 2005 to 2007, where he compiled a 10–25 record.

He also served as interim head coach at USC in 2013 after Lane Kiffin was fired. Though he went 6-2 and was beloved by the players, the school ultimately passed him over for the full-time job — a move that deeply hurt Orgeron.

“That was probably the lowest point in my life,” he once said. “I thought I had earned it. I felt like I belonged.”

But Coach O was nothing if not resilient. His eventual rise at LSU felt like a fairytale redemption arc. When LSU named him the permanent head coach in November 2016, it was a decision that surprised many, but in hindsight, felt like destiny.

Post-Championship Struggles and Departure from LSU

Following the 2019 championship, Orgeron and LSU struggled to recapture the same magic. The Tigers went 5-5 in 2020, followed by a disappointing 6-6 season in 2021. Amid criticism over on-field performance and off-field issues involving player conduct and internal program management, LSU announced that Orgeron would part ways with the school at the end of the 2021 season.

He coached the remainder of that season with characteristic pride, even leading LSU to a dramatic win over Texas A&M in his final game. Though his tenure ended on a bittersweet note, Orgeron departed Baton Rouge with deep affection for LSU and its fans.

“No regrets. Everything happens for a reason,” he said at the time. “I’ll always be a Tiger.”

Life After Coaching

Orgeron stepped away from full-time coaching after his departure from LSU but remained active in football circles. He occasionally served as a consultant for programs and made guest appearances at college football events and media panels.

In 2023, he briefly returned to the spotlight when he joined the Miami Hurricanes’ staff during spring practice to help mentor young coaches. Though he fielded offers to return to coaching — both as a head coach and as a defensive assistant — he never officially returned to the sidelines.

Instead, he chose to enjoy life on his terms. He traveled extensively, spent time with his sons, and continued to embrace his identity as Louisiana’s favorite football son. Photos of him tailgating, visiting high schools, or greeting fans at crawfish boils often circulated online. He was never more than a few steps away from a good gumbo or a Tiger fan with a story to share.

Reactions Pour In

News of Orgeron’s death triggered an outpouring of tributes from across the college football world.

LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward issued a statement Thursday morning:

“Today, we lost a giant. Ed Orgeron was more than a championship coach — he was a symbol of Louisiana, of grit, heart, and home. LSU will always be indebted to his leadership, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.”

Nick Saban, longtime Alabama coach and Orgeron’s rival in the SEC West, also paid tribute.

“Ed was one of the most passionate and genuine people in this profession,” Saban said. “He loved his players and loved the game. College football is better because of people like Coach O.”

Joe Brady, who orchestrated the 2019 LSU offense, called Orgeron “the most authentic coach I’ve ever worked for.”

“He let us be who we were. He trusted us. He built a culture where players and coaches wanted to give everything for him,” Brady said.

Former players like Devin White, Tyrann Mathieu, Leonard Fournette, and Odell Beckham Jr. — all LSU legends — posted photos and heartfelt tributes across social media platforms.

Fans gathered outside Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge to leave flowers, jerseys, and handwritten messages. One sign read simply: “Thank you, Coach O. Forever LSU.”

Legacy Cemented

While Coach O’s coaching career had its highs and lows, his influence cannot be measured solely in wins and losses. He was a beacon of authenticity in a profession often dominated by polished personas. He was flawed, human, passionate, and deeply committed to the people around him.

He mentored countless young men, many of whom went on to professional success. He taught perseverance, loyalty, and the value of staying true to yourself.

His impact in Louisiana — especially among underserved communities — will be felt for generations. He frequently donated to high school football programs, youth initiatives, and post-hurricane recovery efforts. He never forgot where he came from, and he never let anyone else forget it either.

In 2020, Orgeron said in an interview: “I don’t know where life will take me, but I do know this — I’m always gonna be Coach O from down the bayou.”

Final Thoughts

The death of Ed Orgeron leaves a void not only in the LSU family but in the larger college football world. He wasn’t just a coach; he was a character, a motivator, and a man who gave everything he had to the game and the people around him.

For many, his legacy will be forever tied to the confetti falling in the Superdome on January 13, 2020 — the night LSU claimed its place in history and Coach O stood at the pinnacle of his career, tears in his eyes, yelling “Geaux Tigers” with the weight of a state behind him.

He may be gone, but his voice, his spirit, and his story will echo through Baton Rouge and college football lore for decades to come.

Rest in peace, Coach O. You will forever be a champion.