LSU to retain Ed Orgeron as coach

Nope. Orgeron was a backup plan to the backup plan because Florida State’s Jimbo Fisher was the program’s top target.

“We’re proud to be a part of Louisiana and we understand LSU, what it means”, Orgeron said. Herman was never coming to Baton Rouge if the Texas job became vacant, which it did Saturday. Reports on Saturday had Herman asking for $6 million a year and LSU refusing.

It is about his home state and its 123-year-old flagship college football program.

Orgeron’s predecessor Les Miles, who had coached LSU since 2005; left the school with a 114-34 overall record and a national title won in 2007.

What was in Orgeron’s binder? Coach “O’ earned this job. I know Louisiana is happy today”, Orgeron said. No one expected LSU to be as formidable to finish off the year. There had been rumors that LSU would fire Miles since previous year when expectations were not met midway through the season.

A Louisiana man through and through, Orgeron stands proud as the Tigers full-time head coach.

Herman, who coached Houston to national prominence the last two seasons, was announced as the new Texas coach Saturday, replacing Charlie Strong, who was sacked in the morning after three consecutive losing seasons.

Son: Yeah, but I don’t feel the same way about her and I don’t see this going anywhere better. According to FOX Sports’ Bruce Feldman, Orgeron’s presentation to LSU AD Joe Alleva included a plan to poach Alabama OC Lane Kiffin, one of his good friends, for LSU’s offensive coordinating gig.

Widely believed to covet the Texas job, Herman was pursued by LSU, who had an advantage over Texas in actually being open before the season ended.

On Saturday, Orgeron confirmed at least one coaching move – or lack thereof – for LSU’s staff next season: defensive line coach Pete Jenkins will return for at least one more season. His grass-roots support has been evident since his first walk into Tiger Stadium as interim coach. None of his four SEC wins were against teams better than.500 in league play.

Heading into Saturday’s Iron Bowl against Auburn (a 30-12 victory), Alabama was averaging 477.6 yards and 40.3 points despite only gaining 323 yards November 5 in a 10-0 win at LSU. Fans said they want an improved offense, an LSU victory over Alabama and a national championship sometime in the near future. Orgeron was recruited by LSU and initially committed there, but later made a decision to follow Hebert to Northwestern State. LSU’s two losses since Orgeron was promoted came against No. 1 Alabama and Southeastern Conference East Division champion Florida. Orgeron had a similar record during his stint as interim head coach at USC. The SEC has five top 20 ranked defenses.

The Tigers were 5-2 after Orgeron took over the team. Below is a look at what there is to like about Orgeron in the LSU job and also why there is reason for hesitance.