LSU football head coach Lane Kiffin announced Wednesday that the program has hired former Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron as a special assistant for recruiting and defense.
The move brings Orgeron back to his home state of Louisiana and reunites him with Kiffin, whom he previously worked under at both Tennessee and USC.
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ESPN's Pete Thamel first reported that the deal was finalized, while CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz confirmed the specific title of the role.
Orgeron spent nearly six years leading the Tigers before being dismissed after the 2021 season.
During his tenure from 2016 to 2021, he compiled a perfect 15-0 record in 2019, securing the College Football Playoff national championship.
The return of the championship-winning coach comes as multiple former LSU players and coaches establish a larger presence within the university's athletic facilities.
Orgeron, who has a background coaching the defensive line, will assist in developing a 2026 defensive class that features several elite freshmen.
Kiffin expressed strong enthusiasm about adding the veteran coach to his defensive and recruiting operations.
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"I'm excited to bring Coach Orgeron back to LSU," Kiffin said.
The head coach emphasized that Orgeron understands the program's culture and has a distinct ability to attract top-tier talent to Baton Rouge.
"He brings us tremendous value with his ability to recruit elite players nationally, but especially the impact he can have for us recruiting the great state of Louisiana," Kiffin said.
According to Kiffin, the staff expects Orgeron to immediately inject his characteristic energy into the current defensive roster.
"Coach O understands my expectations and commitment to being a championship program," Kiffin said.
The addition fortifies an LSU coaching group already recognized as one of the top units in college football.
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"I look forward to seeing him with recruits and his intensity working with our defensive players," Kiffin said.
