Report: Oregon State Football Drawing Interest From National Championship Winning Coach

A familiar, gravelly voice might be making its way back to the sidelines of college football, and potentially to the Pacific Northwest and Oregon State. Former LSU national championship-winning head coach Ed Orgeron has signaled his readiness to return to coaching, and recent reports have connected him to an unexpected opening: the head coaching position at Oregon State. After four years away from the game, the larger-than-life personality known affectionately as “Coach O” appears poised for a comeback, with the Beavers emerging as a surprising potential destination. This development has sent ripples through the college football world. Could the architect of one of the greatest college football teams in history really land in Corvallis?

The Rollercoaster Career of Ed Orgeron

To understand the intrigue surrounding Orgeron’s potential return, one must look at his dynamic and often turbulent coaching journey. His career is a story of incredible highs and challenging lows, marked by an undeniable passion for the game and an unmatched recruiting prowess.

Orgeron’s first head coaching opportunity came at Ole Miss from 2005 to 2007. While his tenure in Oxford was largely unsuccessful (he compiled a 10-25 record), it was a crucial learning experience. After his dismissal, he returned to an assistant role, eventually landing at USC. There, he served as the defensive line coach and was named interim head coach in 2013, leading the Trojans to a 6-2 record and reinvigorating the program. Despite his success, he was passed over for the permanent job.

His path eventually led him back to his home state of Louisiana, where he joined the LSU staff in 2015. He was named interim head coach in 2016 before earning the permanent job. What followed was the pinnacle of his career. In 2019, Orgeron led LSU on a historic 15-0 run, culminating in a dominant victory in the College Football Playoff National Championship.

That team, led by Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, is widely regarded as one of the most talented and complete teams of all time. However, the success was short-lived. The program’s performance declined in the subsequent seasons, and Orgeron and LSU mutually agreed to part ways after the 2021 season, just two years removed from a national title.

Why the Oregon State Football Job Could Appeal to Coach O

At first glance, the pairing of the fiery, Louisiana-bred Orgeron and the under-the-radar program in Corvallis might seem odd. However, a closer look reveals several reasons why this could be an attractive opportunity for him.

Orgeron has been out of coaching for four years and has openly stated his desire to return, noting he “left a little bit of meat on the bone.” At this stage of his career, landing a premier job at an SEC or Big Ten powerhouse is unlikely. A program like Oregon State offers a unique opportunity to take the helm of a Power Four (or what’s left of it) team without the immense pressure and scrutiny that comes with a top-tier job.

Furthermore, Orgeron has a history on the West Coast. His four seasons at USC were successful, and he has proven he can recruit effectively in the region. He is reportedly open to moving back to the West Coast, making Oregon State a geographically viable option. The job would allow him to rebuild a program in his image, focusing on his core strengths: recruiting, player development, and building a tough, physical culture. Oregon State has a reputation for being a gritty, hard-nosed program, a culture that aligns perfectly with Orgeron’s coaching philosophy.

What Orgeron’s Hiring Could Mean for the Beavers

The prospect of Ed Orgeron taking over at Oregon State is fascinating. His hiring would bring an immediate and unprecedented level of national attention to Corvallis. He is one of the most recognizable figures in the sport, and his presence alone would energize the fanbase and elevate the program’s profile.

On the recruiting trail, Orgeron could be a force of nature. He is renowned for his ability to connect with players and their families, and his track record of developing NFL talent is undeniable. He could attract a level of talent to Oregon State that the program has rarely, if ever, seen. His deep ties in the South, combined with his West Coast experience, would allow him to cast a wide recruiting net.

From a football perspective, he would instill a culture of toughness and physicality. His teams are known for their strong defensive line play—his area of expertise—and a powerful running game. This blue-collar identity would resonate well with the established culture at Oregon State. While there are valid questions about his ability to manage the CEO aspects of being a head coach, his success at LSU proves that with the right supporting staff, he can lead a program to the highest level.

The possibility of the this becoming a reality is one of the most compelling storylines of the current coaching carousel. While it may seem like an unconventional fit, the partnership has the potential to be mutually beneficial. For Orgeron, it’s a chance to write the final chapter of his coaching career on his own terms. For Oregon State, it’s an opportunity to hire a proven winner who could instantly make the Beavers one of the most talked-about programs in the country. Whether the interest materializes into an offer remains to be seen, but the simple fact that Coach O is in the mix has made the coaching search in Corvallis a must-watch event.