Ed Orgeron: A Case for Notre Dame and Thoughts on SEC Coaching Shifts

Setting the Scene: The College Football Playoff

With the College Football Playoff just around the corner, the air is thick with excitement and debate. On Friday, fans will witness Alabama face off against Oklahoma, while another notable contender, Notre Dame, is left watching from the sidelines. Ed Orgeron has something to say about that.

Orgeron Weighs In

Orgeron, whose own glory days as coach at LSU saw him clinch a national title during a perfect season in 2019, has a clear opinion on the playoff selections. "I don't think a team with three losses ought to be playing for the national championship. Notre Dame should have got in ahead of Alabama," he stated emphatically.

His frank assessment raises a significant question: Should a team with a lesser record be rewarded over a stronger one simply due to conference bias?

Indeed, the controversy surrounding Alabama's entry into the playoff has stirred whispers of favoritism, particularly as ESPN and ABC, networks closely aligned with the SEC, broadcast the playoff games. As Orgeron cleverly articulates, "The SEC was dominant. But now, the Big Ten and Big 12 are catching up. It seems like there's a narrative being spun here. I'm not going to get into that, but I know the SEC is strong." This highlights an ongoing conversation regarding the perceptions and realities of conference strength in college football.

Shifting Grounds: Lane Kiffin's Move to LSU

An even bigger shake-up in the coaching realm occurred with Lane Kiffin's transition from Ole Miss to the LSU Tigers. Orgeron, having crossed paths with Kiffin at Tennessee and USC, supports the move as one rooted in necessity. "He had to do it at that time to get the job he wanted. The calendar is wrong in college football. I wish they had a rule, like the NFL, that you cannot talk to a coach until their season is over," he mused.

• The landscape of college football coaching is chaotic.
• Timing plays a crucial role in career movements.
• With so many transition options, recruits need to navigate carefully.

This chaotic landscape has prompted a reevaluation of how coaching decisions are made during the season. The swift moves and uncertainty raise questions about fairness for the players involved.

Advice to LSU

Orgeron has some valuable insights to share with the new LSU regime. He emphasizes the importance of recruiting and evaluation, praising Lane for being the "king of the transfer portal." This strategic focus is essential if LSU aims to remain competitive in the tough SEC.

"Keep on doing what you're doing. He knows what he's doing. Recruit, evaluate like he's doing. He'll be able to dominate the SEC like he's been doing. Stay the course," Orgeron advised.

What's Next for Orgeron?

Though Orgeron last coached in 2021, he remains optimistic about his future in football. He is ready to return, sharing, "We've been in touch with people. I would take a head coaching job or even a position like D-line coach or recruiting coordinator. I'm in a good position where I could take a job, but the right situation hasn't come up yet. But if it does, I'm definitely taking it and going to coach again." His hopes showcase his passion for the game and commitment to coaching.

Final Thoughts: The Moving Landscape of College Football

The college football realm is undeniably dynamic, constantly evolving with each coaching change and playoff decision. Both Orgeron's stance on Notre Dame and Kiffin's shift to LSU highlight the competitive nature and strategic elements that form the backbone of this exciting sport.

With so much at stake this upcoming playoff season, it's a reminder of the heart and tactics inherent in these decisions. As we watch these narratives unfold, one thing is clear: college football remains a thrilling arena, filled with emotion, strategy, and fierce competition.

So, as we head into the playoffs, let's not forget the undercurrents of debate, controversy, and passion that make college football not just a game, but a deeply woven part of our culture.