Meet Edward James “Coach O” Orgeron Jr., the gravelly-voiced Cajun who became one of college football’s most recognisable figures. Born on 27 July 1961 in Larose, Louisiana, this former LSU Tigers head coach took the scenic route to stardom – and what a journey it’s been!
Growing up on the Bayou Lafourche with his brother Steve, young Ed (nicknamed “Bebe”) was surrounded by the sights and sounds of Louisiana’s fishing and hunting culture. His parents, Edward “Ba Ba” Orgeron Sr. and Cornelia “Co Co” Orgeron, couldn’t afford LSU football tickets, but they dreamed big for their boy. Little did they know he’d one day lead the Tigers to their first national championship in over a decade!
Biography
Orgeron’s path wasn’t exactly straightforward. After signing with LSU straight out of South Lafourche High School (where he won a state championship alongside future NFL quarterback Bobby Hebert in 1977), homesickness got the better of him. Two weeks in, he was back home working on shrimp boats and digging ditches – proper hard graft that would shape his character forever.
But destiny called again. Ed transferred to Northwestern State University, reunited with his mate Bobby Hebert as his roommate, and kept shovelling shrimp during summer breaks. It was there that his coaching journey truly began in 1984 as a graduate assistant.
Career
Orgeron’s big break came in 1988 when he joined the University of Miami under Jimmy Johnson. As their defensive line coach, he helped mould eight All-Americans, including future NFL legends like Warren Sapp and Russell Maryland. The Hurricanes won two national championships (1989 and 1991) during his tenure, and he even recruited a young Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson!
But success came with personal struggles. In 1992, following a series of incidents including a bar fight in Baton Rouge, Orgeron took a leave of absence that became permanent. It was a wake-up call that sent him back to his parents’ home in Larose, where his father helped him get his life sorted.
After returning to coaching at Nicholls State as a volunteer in 1994, Orgeron rebuilt his reputation at Syracuse University before landing back at USC in 1998. Under Pete Carroll, he flourished as the defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator, winning National Recruiter of the Year honours in 2004.
Orgeron’s first head coaching gig at Ole Miss (2005-2007) was, let’s be honest, a bit of a disaster. With a 10-25 record over three seasons and no bowl appearances, he was shown the door in 2007. The Rebels’ offense was particularly woeful, ranking dead last in most categories. It was a humbling experience that would make him a better coach in the long run.
A stint with the New Orleans Saints as defensive line coach (2008) and a year at Tennessee with Lane Kiffin followed. Then it was back to USC as interim head coach in 2013, where he went 6-2 but was passed over for the permanent position. Each setback was another lesson learned.
In 2015, Orgeron returned to his beloved LSU as defensive line coach. When Les Miles was sacked four games into the 2016 season, Ed stepped up as interim head coach and never looked back. The “interim” tag was removed after he guided the Tigers to a 6-2 record to finish the season.
Here’s where the story gets absolutely mental. The 2019 LSU Tigers went 15-0, steamrolling everyone in their path to claim the national championship. Led by Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, the team averaged over 48 points per game – not exactly what you’d expect from a traditionally defensive-minded program!
The highlights reel includes:
- A massive 46-41 victory over Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium
- Destroying Oklahoma 63-28 in the College Football Playoff semifinals
- Defeating defending champions Clemson 42-25 in the national championship game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans
Orgeron was named AP College Football Coach of the Year and Home Depot Coach of the Year. It was the perfect culmination of decades of hard work, setbacks, and perseverance.
Unfortunately, what goes up must come down. The 2020 season was shortened due to COVID-19, and LSU struggled to a 5-5 record. The 2021 season started promisingly but fizzled out, and despite reaching bowl eligibility with a 6-6 record, Orgeron and LSU mutually agreed to part ways after the season.
Off-field controversies, including Title IX lawsuits related to former player Derrius Guice, had also cast shadows over the program. It was time for a fresh start for both parties.
Coaching Philosophy
Orgeron’s coaching style centred around creating a family environment within the team. He believed that when players felt genuinely connected to the coaching staff, they’d perform better on the field. His approach evolved significantly from his early days – instead of the intense aggression he’d shown at Ole Miss, he learned to treat his players “like my sons.”
One of Coach O’s signature moves was his fiery motivational speeches. These weren’t your typical rah-rah sessions – they were personal, passionate, and often included stories from his own life. Whether you loved them or found them over the top, you couldn’t ignore their impact on his players.
Net Worth
Ed Orgeron’s net worth is estimated at around £28 million (approximately $35 million USD).
His wealth primarily comes from his coaching salaries, particularly his LSU contract, which reportedly paid him around £7.2 million ($9 million) annually, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.
Income Streams Beyond Coaching
- Endorsement deals with major brands like Nike, Raising Cane’s, and Capital One
- Book sales from his autobiography “Before the Snap: My Story of Football and Faith”
- Television appearances and speaking engagements
- Real estate investments (more on this below)
Smart Property Investments
Orgeron’s shown he’s got a good eye for property:
- Purchased a £1.04 million ($1.3 million) home in Baton Rouge in 2017, selling it for £1.2 million ($1.5 million) in 2021
- Owns a condo in Destin, Florida, bought for £880,000 ($1.1 million) in 2018
Given his substantial earnings, it’s likely he’s diversified into other investments, though he keeps those cards close to his chest.
Family
Orgeron’s been married and divorced twice. His first marriage was to Colleen, and his second was to Kelly, whom he met on a blind date at the 1996 Liberty Bowl. They had three boys together before divorcing in 2020.
Speaking of his boys, the Orgeron legacy continues in college football! Both Parker and Cody Orgeron are making their mark in coaching:
- Parker Orgeron recently joined Miami as a defensive backs assistant, having previously worked at Baylor under Dave Aranda
- Cody Orgeron is already with Miami as a QB analyst
- Tyler Orgeron also has a football playing career.
Parker, born in 1998, played wide receiver at McNeese State before concussion issues ended his playing career. Now 25, he’s following in his father’s footsteps and looks absolutely identical to Ed – it’s genuinely uncanny!
Retirement
At 62, Ed Orgeron is currently enjoying retirement (though knowing football coaches, “retirement” might not last long). He’s been spotted at various practices and games, including a recent appearance at Tulane’s spring practice under new head coach Jon Sumrall.
The man who once worked on boats is now enjoying the fruits of his labour, including the occasional cheeseburger or two during his downtime!
Orgeron became more than just a coach – he was a cultural phenomenon. His distinctive Cajun accent, gravelly voice, and passionate demeanor made him instantly recognisable. He was even parodied in the viral “Colonel Reb is Cryin'” video in 2006 and appeared as himself in “The Blind Side” (2009).
More recently, he was portrayed by Emmett Skilton in the TV series “Young Rock” and appeared as himself in an episode, highlighting his connection to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson from their Miami days.
Orgeron remains officially retired from coaching, though he’s made it clear he’s open to the right opportunity. At 62, he’s got plenty left in the tank if the right situation presents itself.
Controversies
After the magical 2019 season, Orgeron faced criticism for his inability to maintain that level of success. Staff changes, including the departure of passing game coordinator Joe Brady, contributed to disappointing follow-up seasons.
Some questioned whether his motivational style was sustainable long-term, with critics suggesting his emphasis on physicality led to player burnout and injuries.
The most serious controversies involved Title IX issues related to former LSU running back Derrius Guice. Allegations that Orgeron was informed about sexual assault claims but failed to take appropriate action led to lawsuits and damaged his reputation.
These issues, combined with the team’s declining performance, ultimately contributed to his departure from LSU.
With both his sons now in coaching and his influence on countless assistants throughout his career, the Orgeron coaching tree continues to grow. Don’t be surprised if you see the family name making headlines in college football for years to come.
Whether you loved his passionate coaching style or found it over the top, there’s no denying that Coach O left an indelible mark on college football. The 2019 LSU Tigers will forever be remembered as one of the greatest college football teams ever assembled, and Ed Orgeron will always be the Cajun coach who made it happen.
He may have had his flaws, but he was undeniably real – and in today’s world, that’s worth its weight in gold.
The bayou raised him, adversity shaped him, and ultimately, destiny delivered him to his moment of glory.
Not bad for a kid who started out shovelling shrimp, eh?