BREAKING NEWS: “I am coming back to revive the team and see us win again,” said Ed Orgeron as he returns to LSU Tigers as a new Bench Coach

In a move that has sent shockwaves through college football, Ed Orgeron, former LSU Tigers head coach, has announced his return to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, this time as the team’s new bench coach. Orgeron, who famously led LSU to a national championship in 2019, is returning to the program at a crucial juncture. With the Tigers struggling to regain their former dominance after his departure, Orgeron’s bold return could be just the spark LSU needs to reclaim its position as one of college football’s elite programs.

The announcement came earlier this week, catching both fans and analysts by surprise. The 61-year-old Orgeron, who had been out of coaching since his departure from LSU following the 2021 season, spoke passionately about his decision to come back and help the team get back to winning ways.

“I am coming back to revive the team and see us win again,” Orgeron stated in an emotional press conference. “I bleed purple and gold, and I have always believed in this program. I know the potential of LSU football, and I am here to help this team get back to greatness.”

The Rise and Fall of Ed Orgeron at LSU

Ed Orgeron’s tenure as LSU’s head coach was a rollercoaster ride. Initially taking over as interim head coach in 2016 following the firing of Les Miles, Orgeron quickly endeared himself to the fanbase with his gritty, blue-collar mentality and deep ties to Louisiana. His ability to recruit top-tier talent in the state of Louisiana, coupled with his fiery passion for LSU football, made him a natural fit for the position.

In his first full season as head coach in 2017, Orgeron’s Tigers finished with a 9-4 record, showing early signs of promise. The following year, in 2018, LSU took a major step forward, finishing 10-3 and coming within striking distance of the College Football Playoff. However, it wasn’t until the 2019 season that Orgeron truly solidified his place in LSU lore.

The 2019 LSU Tigers, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and an explosive offense, produced one of the most dominant seasons in college football history. LSU went 15-0, defeating Alabama, Georgia, and Oklahoma, before trouncing Clemson in the national championship game. It was a historic run, and Orgeron became an overnight legend in Baton Rouge, forever associated with LSU’s first national championship in 12 years.

However, following that triumphant season, things began to unravel for Orgeron. The 2020 season was a major setback, as LSU finished a disappointing 5-5 in a year heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Tigers were able to secure a handful of marquee victories, the team’s inconsistency and struggles on defense were apparent.

By 2021, it became clear that Orgeron’s time at LSU was nearing its end. Despite recruiting one of the top classes in the country and boasting plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, LSU’s performance continued to lag, culminating in a midseason loss to a struggling Kentucky team. Ultimately, Orgeron was let go following the 2021 season, with a mutual agreement that he would step down after the year ended.

A New Role as Bench Coach

Ed Orgeron’s return to LSU, however, is not in the same capacity as before. While many were hoping for his return as head coach, this time he is coming back as a bench coach—a position that is somewhat unconventional in college football but is designed to help guide and mentor players from the sidelines. Orgeron will be focusing on improving the team’s defensive front, a unit that has been the backbone of LSU’s success in the past but has struggled in recent seasons.

The decision to appoint Orgeron as a bench coach comes as part of a broader restructuring of LSU’s coaching staff. Head coach Brian Kelly, who took over the Tigers in 2022, has faced his own set of challenges in returning LSU to the heights it reached under Orgeron just a few seasons ago. Kelly has made significant strides with the program, but the defensive side of the ball has been a lingering issue.

“I’ve always had great respect for Coach Orgeron,” Kelly said in a statement. “His passion for LSU football is unmatched, and his experience in developing defensive players is invaluable. We are excited to have him back in the fold and know that he will bring a renewed energy to our program.”

Orgeron’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for LSU. Despite a 10-win season in 2022, LSU fell short of competing for a national championship, and some areas of the team—particularly the defensive line—were exposed during key games. Orgeron’s wealth of knowledge and hands-on approach could be exactly what LSU needs to shore up those weaknesses.

“I’ve always believed that defense wins championships,” Orgeron said during his press conference. “I’m here to help get our guys to play at a level they didn’t even know was possible. We have the talent, we just need to unlock it.”

What Ed Orgeron Brings to the Table

Ed Orgeron’s influence at LSU is undeniable. While his stint as head coach was marred by inconsistency after the 2019 national title, there’s no question that Orgeron helped elevate LSU to new heights. His passion for recruiting, his ability to connect with players, and his fiery leadership style all played a huge role in LSU’s success during his time at the helm.

Now, as a bench coach, Orgeron can focus on the aspects of the game he knows best—the trenches. As one of the most respected defensive line coaches in college football, Orgeron’s track record of developing elite talent is exceptional. During his time as head coach, he coached future NFL stars like Derrick Stingley Jr., K’Lavon Chaisson, and Rashard Lawrence, among others. His ability to identify and develop talent on the defensive line was a major factor in LSU’s national title run.

Orgeron’s return also brings a sense of familiarity and continuity to LSU’s defense. The Tigers’ defense has often been inconsistent since the 2019 season, with too many lapses in coverage and missed assignments. Having Orgeron back on staff will provide the defense with a much-needed boost, both in terms of leadership and technical coaching.

“I know what it takes to win at LSU, and I know what it takes to succeed in the SEC,” Orgeron said. “I’m not here to take over, I’m here to help. I’m here to make sure our defense plays with that same toughness and grit that we were known for in 2019.”

The Impact on the LSU Program

Ed Orgeron’s return has already sparked excitement among the LSU fanbase. Tigers fans, who have been clamoring for a return to championship-level football, see this as a major turning point for the program. LSU’s defense, which has often been the weak link in recent seasons, now has the chance to return to its former glory under Orgeron’s tutelage.

“Having Coach O back in Baton Rouge is a dream come true,” said one LSU fan, echoing the sentiments of many in the fanbase. “He’s one of us. He knows what it means to wear that purple and gold, and we need his energy and his expertise to get back to being the best.”

Beyond the fanbase, Orgeron’s return could also help with recruiting. LSU has always been one of the top programs in the nation when it comes to landing talent in the state of Louisiana. Orgeron, a Louisiana native, has deep connections to the high school football scene and has always been able to attract elite prospects to Baton Rouge. His return could serve as a signal to recruits that LSU is serious about returning to championship contention.

“Coach O is a game-changer on the recruiting trail,” said one recruiting analyst. “He has such a strong reputation in Louisiana, and his presence will make LSU even more attractive to the top recruits in the state and beyond.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of LSU Football

As LSU moves forward with Ed Orgeron back in the fold, the question remains: Can the Tigers return to the level of dominance they achieved under Orgeron in 2019? While it’s impossible to predict the future, there’s no doubt that Orgeron’s return will have an immediate impact on the team’s performance, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

With Orgeron helping to revive the Tigers’ defensive line and offering mentorship to the coaching staff and players, LSU could be primed for a resurgence in the coming seasons. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Orgeron’s influence shapes the trajectory of LSU football.

As for Orgeron himself, he remains as passionate as ever about LSU and its future. “This is my home,” he said. “I’m here to help LSU win again. That’s all that matters.”

For LSU fans, this announcement marks a new chapter in the storied history of Tigers football. And with Coach O back on the sidelines, the future has never seemed brighter.