Report: LSU 'open' to Ed Orgeron joining potential Lane Kiffin coaching staff

LSU would be “open” to Ed Orgeron potentially joining Lane Kiffin’s coaching staff if he decides to take the Tigers’ head coaching job, CBS Sports reported Thursday. Kiffin and Orgeron have a longstanding relationship, though the Ole Miss head coach has not yet made a decision on his future.

Orgeron has not coached since leaving LSU following the 2021 season. He had a 51-20 overall record in Baton Rouge and led the Tigers to a national title in 2019. However, back-to-back .500 seasons followed and the school opted to make a change. LSU eventually hired Brian Kelly to the role.

During an interview with ESPN Radio last month, Orgeron was asked if he would consider joining a staff at LSU if Kiffin replaced Kelly. He made it clear he would be open to such an opportunity.

“I’d consider it,” Orgeron said Oct. 29 on Unsportsmanlike. “I love LSU. I’ve still got my home in Baton Rouge. When I coached with Coach Miles, [I was] the defensive line coach. I love the Tigers and I’m getting back to coaching, for sure, I’d consider it. No doubt.”

Earlier in that same interview, Orgeron was asked if he’d consider returning to LSU as head coach. Again, he didn’t hesitate before saying he’d be interested, if the Tigers went that route.

“I’d love to,” Orgeron said. “Are you kidding me? I’m one phone call away. I’ve just got to get in my truck. I’ll be there today.”

Ed Orgeron and Lane Kiffin worked together at USC from 2001-04 before Orgeron left to become the head coach at Ole Miss. In 2009, he then joined Kiffin’s staff at Tennessee and followed him to USC in 2010. Following Kiffin’s infamous departure in 2013, Orgeron became the interim head coach.

Kiffin’s name is front and center during this coaching cycle, specifically at LSU and Florida, and On3’s Pete Nakos confirmed his family visited both Baton Rouge and Gainesville over the weekend. Kiffin also shot down the idea of an “ultimatum” to give Ole Miss a decision.

Ole Miss is on a bye this week, taking a 10-1 record into next week’s season finale against Mississippi State on Black Friday. When asked whether he plans to coach in that game, Kiffin made it abundantly clear he has every intention to be on the sideline. He also reiterated he does not plan on addressing open jobs across the country.

“I mean, I’ve been saying the same thing for six years: I’m not speaking on other jobs. I’m focused on this one,” Kiffin said on the SEC coaches teleconference. “… I don’t even understand what the question is. Of course I’m coaching. Unless you guys know something I don’t, or I’m getting fired and I don’t know it.”