Former LSU head coach Ed Orgeron might be gearing up for a return to the college football sidelines after four years away from the game.
The 64-year-old, who became a college football folk hero during LSU’s historic 2019 national championship run, revealed on Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take podcast that he’s starting to feel the “itch” to coach again.
For college football fans, the possibility of Orgeron’s comeback is exciting. Known for his gravelly voice, larger-than-life personality, “Coach O” is one of the sport’s most colorful figures. His head coaching stops include time at Ole Miss, USC, and in the Bayou, where he went 67-47 overall as a head coach and lifted the program to new heights with a perfect 15-0 season led by Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow.
Coach O has the itch to get back on the sideline @PardonMyTake pic.twitter.com/MY8MCrxv5S
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) August 18, 2025
Orgeron’s final seasons in Baton Rouge weren't the best. LSU slipped to 5-5 in 2020 and 6-6 in 2021, which led to a mutual parting of ways after that season. Not all his fault considering the ills of the Covid pandemic. He hasn’t held a head coaching position since. However, he has done consulting work for other programs.
Off the field, Orgeron has been embroiled in a legal battle with his ex-wife over his $17.1 million buyout from LSU, with the Louisiana Supreme Court ruling in June that she is entitled to $8.13 million. Orgeron has requested a rehearing on the matter.
The big question now is where could Orgeron land? Some believe he might be waiting to see what ride in the carousel opens up after the season. He could thrive in any situation with a high-energy mentality to spark a turnaround. Wherever it is, Orgeron’s return would be one of the most talked-about stories in the sport.
Word is out and Coach O is ready, and college football might just be ready for him too.
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