Former LSU coach Ed Orgeron reportedly in talks with SEC program

Jeff Hauser

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Former LSU coach Ed Orgeron reportedly in talks with SEC program image

Former LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron is officially in the mix for the Arkansas Razorbacks opening, according to a report from On3’s Pete Nakos, One of college football’s most distinctive figures could be nearing a return to the sidelines after a four-year hiatus. 

Orgeron, 64, has been out of coaching since LSU parted ways with him following a 6-6 finish in 2021. He was let go with Brian Kelly coming aboard in Baton Rouge, but recently met the same demise. But Orgeron's resume features one of the sport’s greatest seasons. The undefeated 2019 national championship run led by Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson still remain in the top three.

Overall, Orgeron compiled a 51-20 record during his tenure with the Tigers, where he first took over as interim coach in 2016 and guided the Tigers to a Citrus Bowl win.

Nakos reported that Orgeron has been in communication with Arkansas as the search for Sam Pittman's replacement ramps up. The program is believed to be weighing multiple options, including former Penn State coach James Franklin and Tulane’s Jon Sumrall. However, Orgeron’s name surfaced Friday as a serious addition to the board.

Orgeron is also viewed as a potential candidate at Oregon State, which has spiraled to a 2-8 start while navigating ongoing conference uncertainty in the Pac-12. The Beavers need a strong leader in the worst way. 

Whether the former LSU coach prefers an SEC return or a rebuild in Corvallis remains unclear, but his presence adds another wrinkle to an already chaotic 2025 coaching carousel.

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Contributing Writer