Ed Orgeron returning to LSU is a win for Lane Kiffin, Tigers

Ed Orgeron. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Ed Orgeron returning to LSU is a win for Lane Kiffin, Tigers

By Adam Gretz | Last updated May 21, 2026 8:01 AM ET

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LSU hired Lane Kiffin in an effort to get its football program back to a National Championship-contending level.

In return, Kiffin is bringing back the coach who helped LSU win its most recent national title to join his staff.

Ed Orgeron is returning to LSU

LSU announced on Wednesday night that Orgeron is returning to the program as a special assistant to recruiting and defense.

Kiffin and Orgeron have a history together, while Orgeron is a legend at LSU for leading the team to a national championship during the 2019 season.

Orgeron was LSU's head coach between 2016 and 2021, compiling a 51-20 record. He was let go following the 2021 season and replaced by Brian Kelly.

Ed Orgeron is returning to LSU and will serve as the special assistant to recruiting and defense for the Tigers pic.twitter.com/dfmnEeWpsW
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) May 21, 2026

Kelly was fired in the middle of a brutally underwhelming 2025 season, resulting in the hiring of Kiffin.

The key for LSU will almost certainly be Orgeron's role as a recruiter. He has always had a reputation for being an outstanding recruiter with deep connections to LSU. Getting him back into the mix could be a huge win for the program when it comes to adding talent.

Even though this is the era of NIL and the transfer portal, there is still value in recruiting and having somebody who can attract talent. Orgeron can do exactly that.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on X @AGretz

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