LSU’s Strategic Move: Lane Kiffin and Ed Orgeron Join Forces

LSU has brought significant changes to college football by recruiting head coach Lane Kiffin from SEC rival Ole Miss earlier this year.

Kiffin gained notice for leading Ole Miss to a standout season, achieving an 11-1 record and securing the No. 6 seed in the College Football Playoff. The team progressed to the semifinals, where it was eliminated by the Miami Hurricanes.

Upon taking the helm at LSU, Kiffin utilized the transfer portal to build a top-tier roster. His coaching team has been strengthened by notable additions, including a key appointment on Wednesday.

“Ed Orgeron is returning to LSU and will serve as the special assistant to recruiting and defense for the Tigers,” announced the school on X, accompanied by a photograph of Orgeron shaking hands with Lane Kiffin.

The school highlighted changes in recruiting rules that allow Orgeron to travel for recruitment purposes. His prowess in recruiting is renowned, and his familiarity with LSU makes him ideal to present the university to potential recruits, as noted by ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Orgeron is well-known to LSU supporters. He previously served as head coach from 2016 to 2021, earning a 51-20 record, three bowl victories, and a national championship in 2019. That championship team is often heralded as one of the all-time great college football teams.

Thirteen players from Orgeron’s championship team have progressed to the NFL:

• Quarterback Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)
• Wide receivers Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) and Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals)
• Guards Damien Lewis (Seattle Seahawks) and Ed Ingram (Houston Texans)
• Center Lloyd Cushenberry (Buffalo Bills)
• Defensive tackle Damone Clark (Detroit Lions)
• Linebackers Patrick Queen (Pittsburgh Steelers) and K’Lavon Chaisson (Washington Commanders)
• Cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. (Houston Texans), Kristian Fulton (Kansas City Chiefs), and Cor’Dale Flott (Tennessee Titans)
• Safety Grant Delpit (Cleveland Browns)

Orgeron also holds head-coaching experience from stints at USC (2013) and Ole Miss (2005-2007), which adds valuable expertise to the Tigers’ coaching team.