The Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers football program has announced plans to erect a statue of their legendary head coach, ED Orgeron Work on the monument is scheduled to commence in.

In a bold and heartfelt move, the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers football program has announced plans to honor their legendary head coach, Ed Orgeron, with the installation of a statue that will stand as a testament to his enduring legacy at the university. The statue, which will be erected outside Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, is set to begin construction in the near future, marking a monumental moment for LSU football. This decision, lauded by fans and critics alike, solidifies Orgeron’s place as one of the most transformative figures in the history of college football.

Orgeron, who served as LSU’s head coach from 2016 to 2020, is most renowned for leading the Tigers to a national championship in 2019, an achievement that catapulted him into the pantheon of college football’s great coaches. The 2019 LSU Tigers were nothing short of remarkable—an explosive, record-shattering team that captured the imagination of fans nationwide. Under Orgeron’s leadership, LSU not only won the College Football Playoff National Championship but also solidified its place in the modern football landscape as one of the most dominant programs in the country.

The decision to honor Orgeron with a statue is an acknowledgment of both his tangible achievements on the field and the indelible mark he left on the LSU community.

Ed Orgeron, a Louisiana native, was already a beloved figure at LSU before he was named head coach. He first joined the Tigers as an assistant coach in 2005, serving as the defensive line coach and contributing to LSU’s 2007 national title under head coach Les Miles. Orgeron’s deep roots in Louisiana, his infectious energy, and his unyielding passion for the game quickly made him a fan favorite, earning him the affectionate nickname “Coach O.”

Despite his early success at LSU, Orgeron’s coaching journey was not without its challenges. His first stint as a head coach at Ole Miss from 2005 to 2007 ended with a mixed record, and he faced some criticism during that period. However, it was at LSU, where he returned as the defensive line coach and eventually became the interim head coach in 2016, that Orgeron would achieve his greatest success.

When LSU fired Miles midseason in 2016, the university turned to Orgeron as an interim coach. His fiery leadership and enthusiasm sparked an immediate turnaround for the team. His promotion to full-time head coach shortly thereafter was met with excitement, as fans hoped Orgeron’s energy and passion could revitalize a program that had been stuck in neutral for several years.

In 2019, Orgeron proved those hopes were not only valid but exceeded expectations. The Tigers finished the season with a 15-0 record, the first perfect season in the program’s history, capped off with a victory over the Clemson Tigers in the national championship game. Led by one of the most prolific offenses in NCAA history, LSU dominated opponents throughout the season, with quarterback Joe Burrow at the helm, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase making highlight-reel catches, and a defense that made key stops when necessary. Under Orgeron’s guidance, LSU made history, and the city of Baton Rouge erupted in celebration.

The 2019 season was not just a national championship—it was a cultural shift. Orgeron’s leadership was characterized by his relentless pursuit of excellence, his ability to bring out the best in his players, and his ability to connect with both his team and the fans. His Louisiana roots and deep understanding of the region’s culture resonated strongly with LSU supporters, making him a beloved figure not just on the field, but within the community.

In an era where college football had become increasingly dominated by the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers, LSU’s title was a statement—a statement that was not just about Xs and Os, but about passion, commitment, and identity. Coach O was at the center of it all, epitomizing the values that LSU fans hold dear.

The decision to erect a statue in Orgeron’s honor is a reflection of both his on-field accomplishments and his role in shaping the culture of LSU football. Statues have long been used as a means of immortalizing figures who have left a lasting legacy on a university or institution. At LSU, figures like Mike the Tiger (the school’s mascot) and legendary coaches like Nick Saban and Les Miles already have statues that represent their contributions to the program. Now, Orgeron’s likeness will stand alongside those titans of LSU football.

For many, the statue is more than just a piece of artwork—it’s a way to capture the essence of a coach who gave everything for the university and for his players. It’s a tribute to Orgeron’s unique identity and the impact he had on the team. LSU President F. King Alexander, in his statement regarding the statue, said, “Coach Orgeron exemplified what it means to be a true Tiger. His passion for this program, this university, and this state will be forever remembered.”

For fans, the statue is an enduring symbol of the pride and excitement that Orgeron brought to Baton Rouge during his time as head coach. It also serves as a reminder of what is possible when a coach embraces the culture and identity of a program in the way that Orgeron did. In a sport often driven by larger-than-life personalities, Orgeron was a coach who felt deeply connected to his team and community, and his statue will stand as a tribute to that bond.

The 2019 season is undoubtedly the pinnacle of Ed Orgeron’s coaching career, but it’s also an important chapter in the story of LSU football. When Orgeron took over as head coach in 2016, LSU was in a period of transition. The program had experienced some ups and downs under previous coach Les Miles, and there was uncertainty about what the future would look like. Orgeron’s appointment as the full-time head coach came with high expectations, and he was immediately tasked with returning the team to national prominence.

That he succeeded in doing so so spectacularly is a testament to his resilience, his tactical acumen, and his leadership. The 2019 Tigers are considered by many to be one of the greatest college football teams of all time. From Burrow’s Heisman-winning performance to the potent passing game orchestrated by offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger and passing game coordinator Joe Brady, the 2019 team shattered records and redefined what LSU football could be.

But it wasn’t just about the Xs and Os. Orgeron’s emotional connection to the team, his ability to inspire his players, and his unrelenting commitment to doing things the LSU way were key factors in the Tigers’ success. His fiery speeches, Louisiana pride, and unshakable belief in his players made him a coach who wasn’t just leading a football team, but a movement.

The championship victory over Clemson in the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship Game was the culmination of years of hard work and determination. LSU, under Orgeron, had finally reached the pinnacle, and they did so with style and flair. It’s this championship, more than any other accomplishment, that will forever cement Orgeron’s place in LSU lore.

While the statue will be an enduring tribute to Ed Orgeron’s contributions to LSU football, its significance extends beyond the realm of athletics. For the people of Baton Rouge and the broader LSU community, the statue is a source of pride and joy. The championship season of 2019 provided a sense of unity and excitement for the entire state of Louisiana, a moment when fans, alumni, and residents could come together to celebrate the achievements of a team that had worked so hard to bring the title back to Baton Rouge.

In a time when the world often seems divided, moments like the one captured by Orgeron’s leadership remind us of the power of sports to bring people together. The statue will not only honor a coach but also celebrate the spirit of LSU football, the pride of Louisiana, and the unwavering commitment to excellence

While the statue marks the end of one chapter in LSU football’s history, it also opens the door to new possibilities. With Orgeron’s departure as head coach after the 2020 season, the program finds itself at a crossroads, with new leadership in place under Brian Kelly. However, the legacy of Orgeron will undoubtedly continue to influence the team for years to come. His impact on the program, the community, and the players who donned the purple and gold will resonate long after the statue is completed.

As LSU moves forward into a new era, Orgeron’s statue will stand as a symbol of what is possible when a coach connects with his players, his university, and his community on a deep and personal level. The lessons learned from his time as head coach will continue to guide the Tigers as they strive for greatness in the seasons to come.