Ed Orgeron reveals reasoning behind decision to finish season

After news broke Sunday morning that LSU reached a mutual agreement with football coach Ed Orgeron to part ways after the 2021 season, a press conference was scheduled. During his time with the media, the national championship winning coach discussed his love for the LSU program and his plan to coach through the end of the season.

“We’re going to finish,” Orgeron said during his Sunday press conference. “We’re not going to blink. That’s the reason. Scott and I mutually agreed but I’m going to finish with this team. I love, this team, I love these guys and I love LSU. The day I leave here, I’m going to leave everything I can.”

Orgeron and the LSU athletic department are certainly in a unique situation. Just two seasons after a national championship and 21 months after signing a six-year extension, the two parties have agreed to prolong the breakup for two months.

At most schools, dealing with most coaches, the plan would never work. But Ed Orgeron bleeds Louisiana, he and athletic director Scott Woodward share the bayou bond unlike any others.

“I’m gonna be the same guy I was today, I’m gonna be the same guy tomorrow with this football team, until my last day here at LSU,” said Orgeron.

Ed Orgeron finishing the season

According to Scott Woodward, who provided a glowing review of Ed Orgeron’s tenure, the head coach remains unfazed. In fact, he spent Sunday reviewing game film ahead of Saturday’s road trip against No. 12 Ole Miss.

“Tough schedule ahead, we’ll take it one day at a time,” said Orgeron. “I’m glad we got this out of the way so tomorrow we can focus on Ole Miss.”

After Sunday’s team meeting and press conference, Orgeron and his staff continued preparation for Tell the Truth Monday. Despite convensional wisdom, neither party seems worried about team chemistry over the coming weeks.

After Ole Miss, LSU receives a needed bye. For Ed Orgeron, the final run of the 2021 season includes games against Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana-Monroe and Texas A&M. Currently 4-3, there is no guarantee the Tigers become bowl eligible, but if they do, Orgeron will continue coaching.

LSU will continue without many injured starters, including cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and Eli Ricks, wide receiver Kayshon Boutte and defensive end Ali Gaye.

At the conclusion of Sunday’s press conference, Scott Woodward announced the hiring process is already underway but would not reveal any more details.