It's only October, but the college football coaching carousel is fully in motion. Penn State sent the college football world into a frenzy by firing James Franklin last week, and he now joins a group of seven head coaches to be fired already this season. Rumors and predictions for replacements at all of those jobs are swirling, and the name of a former LSU legend is making the round.
Former LSU head coach Ed Orgeron hasn't coached since 2021, but made several comments over the summer stating that he was interested in a possible return to the sidelines. In October, Orgeron definitely stated that he was ready to return to coaching. Now, he has his eyes on one potential landing spot.
Orgeron has his eyes on one potential landing spot
According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Orgeron has some interest in the Oregon State job. Nakos writes that Orgeron is open to returning to the west coast, and has already had some conversations with people around the Oregon State program.
Orgeron is familiar with coaching on the west coast, as he was at USC for two different stints. He was first with the Trojans from 1998-2004, and then again from 2010-13, briefly serving as the program's interim head coach in the 2013 season.
Penn State is the most high profile job that is currently available, and the constant rumors around the Florida job indicate that could open soon as well. Other open positions include Oklahoma State, Virginia Tech, Oregon State, UCLA, Arkansas, and UAB.
A spot like Oregon State could make for a good fit for Orgeron. The National Championship-winning head coach may not be able to land a head coaching job at a major SEC or Big Ten school, although he has stated he is open to a coordinator or assistant role as well. Orgeron posted a 51-20 overall record at LSU, which included a 31-17 mark in SEC play over six seasons in Baton Rouge. He hasn't coached since being fired by LSU following the 2021 regular season.