When Ed Orgeron confirmed he’s ready to return to coaching, if “the best thing available” presents itself, college football watchers sat up and took notice. After all, his name still carries weight because of what he accomplished and because the coaching marketplace is always hungry for big personalities. But the real question is whether Orgeron is a realistic match for Oklahoma State as it enters a new chapter.
The Case for Orgeron at Oklahoma State
Championship Pedigree and Leadership Style
There’s no denying Orgeron’s high‑water mark: the 2019 LSU Tigers, who went 15–0 and captured the national title. That team is often held up as one of the most explosive rosters in college football history, bolstered by Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and others. Orgeron didn’t merely ride that wave — he helped foster the environment in which those stars thrived. Burrow himself has credited Orgeron with instilling confidence in his players in a way few other coaches do.
The Intangibles That Make Him Appealing
That player trust, that emotional investment, and that “all‑in” DNA are exactly the kinds of intangibles that can appeal to a hiring school looking not just for Xs and Os but for a leader who can galvanize a fan base, a roster, and a staff.
Moreover, Orgeron has experience stepping into high expectations. He succeeded Les Miles at LSU, following in the footsteps of a beloved coach. This would be a fairly similar transition not unlike taking over from Mike Gundy in Stillwater.
Why OSU Might Want a Coach Like Orgeron
Oklahoma State’s athletic director, Chad Weiberg, has publicly expressed a preference for a coach who’s “been there, done that.” A big-name with a proven track record fits that profile. Orgeron, with his championship pedigree and prior experience under pressure, checks many of those boxes.
From OSU’s perspective, hiring a coach like Orgeron could bring immediate credibility to a program looking to chart a new course. His name drives recruiting, media attention, and fan enthusiasm. He’d be seen as someone who can help bring back Oklahoma State’s competitiveness in a Big 12 landscape.
On paper, the parallels aren’t perfect, but they’re compelling: replacing a long-tenured coach (Gundy), managing high expectations, and fueling a program’s upward trajectory.
Challenges in the New Era of College Football
College Football Has Changed — Has/Can Orgeron?
However, the game has evolved sharply since Orgeron last coached. The NIL era, the transfer portal, direct payments, and shifting power dynamics are now core to roster construction. Orgeron’s greatest strength under the old regime was recruiting via relationships, traditional high-touch practices, and building loyalty over time. But that model alone might not suffice anymore.
The Modern Learning Curve for Old-School Coaches
Coaches who’ve returned or entered coaching recently have faced a learning curve. Even legends like Nick Saban or Dabo Swinney have had to adjust their approach in this new paradigm. The ability to adapt quickly — to the heavy movement of players, the demands of NIL, and the agility of modern rosters — would be crucial. If Orgeron comes in slow or struggles to adjust, OSU might see growing pains early.
Another consideration: Orgeron’s final seasons at LSU were uneven, and his departure came amid controversies regarding Title IX and institutional oversight. Some schools might view that as a risk factor when doing due diligence.
Is Orgeron the Right Fit for Oklahoma State?
What Success Would Realistically Look Like
If Orgeron were to land at OSU, the hope would be for something close to an immediate boost: strong recruiting classes, energy in the locker room, and most importantly wins. But expecting him to replicate what he did in 2019 overnight is unrealistic. It's more realistic to view his first few seasons as foundational rebuilding years, albeit ones where momentum must be built.
Whether OSU picks him would likely depend on how confident stakeholders are that he can bridge the gap between his old-school strengths and the new-school demands.
High-Risk, High-Reward: A Bold Move for OSU
Ed Orgeron is a compelling name for any school in the market for a coach who can bring passion, credibility, and proven success. He has experience handling pressure, managing big expectations, and building a championship-caliber culture. Those traits align well with what Oklahoma State might want in the wake of Mike Gundy’s departure.
But the obstacles are real: mastering NIL-era nuances, integrating modern roster movement, and avoiding past controversies. Whether Orgeron is the right fit for OSU depends heavily on whether he can demonstrate he’s not just betting on his past successes — but also capable of evolving for what college football is today.
If Oklahoma State wants to make an audacious move, Ed Orgeron offers just that. But it’s not without risk and the question will be whether the upside outweighs the challenges.