Ed Orgeron makes his feelings about the LSU head coaching job known

Coach O is ready to run it back!

​Ed Orgeron, who coached LSU from 2016-2021, told ESPN radio's Evan Cohen that he would welcome a return to Tigers football with open arms. Orgeron went 51-20 during his time as the LSU head coach and had the honor of winning a College Football Playoff championship with arguably the greatest college football team of all time.

Orgeron, who was a guest on Cohen's unsportslike radio show, said that all he needed to return was a phone call.

"Oh I'd love to, you kidding me? I'm one phone call away. I just got to get in my truck and I'd be there today."

Ed Orgeron

Orgeron, who is from Larose, Louisiana, has also been a head coach at Ole Miss and interim head coach at USC. He was the defensive line coach at LSU when he got elevated to head coach after Les Miles was fired. 

Why a Coach O return might not be the worst idea?

We can talk about Orgeron's flaws and those that have concerns about the 64-year-old coach are certainly justified to feel that way. But in today's college football landscape, a CEO-type of coach like Orgeron that is player-friendly and wouldn't have the ego to undermine the staff around him should be able to work well.

Orgeron would not demand a huge salary — he's already gotten an extra $17 million (half to his ex-wife) from the buyout that he's still collecting on. And he would much rather see the big dollars invested in the roster, his staff and the front office/scouting department. He still recognizes big talent when he sees it and, more importantly, he would be an advocate for the players, which is needed more than ever.

Why does LSU football need a reset?

The environment that Brian Kelly brought to LSU football needs to be cleansed and Orgeron could help accomplish that. The program needs to find its footing again in recruiting and decide how its going to move forward to stay in the top half of the SEC. Orgeron as head coach is a short-term plan and would give LSU time to decide how it wants to structure the football program and time to possibly develop an internal succession plan from Orgeron to the next guy.

There's nothing that can be scarier from a program than being in transition. Orgeron, leading a staff that includes Wilson and Corey Raymond, will make sure that the brand stays strong in recruiting, especially with the in-state players. And Orgeron can help make sure the right kids are coming into the program, and he'll gladly do the speaking tour to help raise money from the boosters. This isn't a permanent fix, but it could lead to more stability and consistency moving forward.

Is there a chance of this happening? Not likely. But if LSU's top choices to be the next head coach aren't interested, this could be the best alternative.