Lane Kiffin hired Ed Orgeron to join his LSU Tigers football staff, according to multiple reports. The move comes six months after Kiffin took over the program.
Orgeron returns to Baton Rouge in a recruiting-focused role. He previously served as LSU’s head coach before his dismissal.
The hiring addresses a key need for the Tigers. Kiffin needed someone who understands Louisiana recruiting and has existing relationships with high school coaches across the state.
Orgeron’s recruiting philosophy has evolved with the NIL era. He previously discussed how money in college football recruiting has changed during an appearance on Bussin’ with the Boys.
“Back then, we used to walk through the back door with the cash, now we just gotta walk through the front door with the cash,” Orgeron told Bussin’ with the Boys.
— Bussin’ With The Boys (@BussinWTB) May 21, 2026
LSU has already committed over $40 million to roster construction through NIL deals. Orgeron will help coordinate additional recruiting efforts with those financial resources.
The move represents a shift for Orgeron. He’s taking a supporting role rather than pursuing another head coaching position immediately.
Orgeron knows SEC recruiting networks from his previous tenure. He won a national championship as LSU’s head coach in 2019 before the program declined in subsequent seasons.
Kiffin views the hire as part of building sustained success. The combination gives LSU both offensive innovation and recruiting expertise.
The partnership could accelerate LSU’s timeline for competing at the highest level. Industry observers expect the Tigers’ NIL spending to continue increasing with Orgeron’s involvement.
LSU’s 2027 recruiting class will be the first major test of the Kiffin-Orgeron collaboration. The Tigers are targeting multiple five-star prospects in Louisiana and surrounding states.
