Ed Orgeron

Ed Orgeron, widely known as Coach O, is a prominent figure in college football, recognized for his journey from Louisiana to the highest levels of the sport. Orgeron's coaching career gained early momentum at the University of Miami, where he served as defensive line coach and developed eight All-Americans, including future NFL players Warren Sapp and Russell Maryland, while also recruiting Dwayne Johnson. The Hurricanes won two national championships during his tenure. Orgeron was later named National Recruiter of the Year, establishing his reputation as an effective talent evaluator in college football.

After coaching roles at USC, Ole Miss, the New Orleans Saints, and Tennessee, Orgeron returned to LSU, first as defensive line coach and then as the program's permanent head coach following a successful interim period. LSU named him its 32nd full-time head coach after he guided the team to a 6-2 record as interim. Orgeron led LSU to a national championship, with the Tigers averaging more than 48 points per game, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson. Burrow set new LSU and SEC single-season records for passing yards and set the NCAA single-season record for touchdown passes, earning the Heisman Trophy.

Orgeron won his first national championship as a head coach with a victory over the defending national champion Clemson Tigers, finishing the season 15-0. That LSU team is regarded by many as one of the greatest college football teams of the modern era.

Orgeron received several coaching honors that season, including AP College Football Coach of the Year, Eddie Robinson Award, Home Depot Coach of the Year, Walter Camp Coach of the Year, George Munger Award, AFCA Coach of the Year, and SEC Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, the LSU program produced 12 first-team All-Americans, four national award winners including Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, and 39 NFL Draft picks, including 10 in the first round. LSU set an SEC record with five first-round picks in a single draft. Orgeron also appeared as himself in the Oscar-nominated film "The Blind Side."

Orgeron authored the book "Flip the Script: Lessons Learned on the Road to a Championship," which details his leadership journey and the transformation of the LSU football program. The book features a foreword by Dwayne Johnson. Orgeron remains active in the football community, sharing his expertise through speaking engagements and media appearances. He returned to LSU as special assistant to recruiting and defense, contributing to the program's recruiting efforts and player development.