What Happened to Coach O? Did Coach O Retire? Why Was Coach O Fired? Where is Coach O Now?
by Sona
Updated Sep 04, 2023
Who is Coach O?
Edward James Orgeron Jr., affectionately known as Coach O, is a prominent figure in the world of American football. With a compelling career that spans both playing and coaching, he has left an indelible mark on the sport. Coach O's journey in coaching includes significant roles as the head football coach at prestigious institutions like LSU and Ole Miss, along with an interim stint at USC.
However, he achieved true coaching glory when he steered the 2019 LSU Tigers football team to a national championship, an achievement etched in football history. Beyond his coaching prowess, Coach O's distinctive personality, Cajun heritage, and unmistakable gravelly voice have made him an iconic and beloved figure in college football.
His career showcases dedication, resilience, and a deep passion for the game, earning him a special place in the hearts of football enthusiasts. Whether as a player or a coach, Coach O's influence on American football remains a compelling narrative in the sport's rich tapestry.
SPECIFICATION
DETAILS
Full Name
Ed Orgeron
Date of Birth
July 27, 1961
Age
62 years old
Birthplace
Larose, Louisiana, U.S.
Girlfriend
Brandy Nicole
Gender
Male
Nationality
American
Father
Edward Orgeron Sr
Mother
Cornelia Orgeron
Brother
Steve Orgeron
School
South Lafourche High School
University
Northwestern State University
Educational Qualifications
Graduate
Profession
Football Coach and Former Professional Player
Net Worth
$35 million
What Happened to Coach O?
Coach O's tenure as the head coach of LSU came to an end after the 2021-22 season. He was fired from his position despite his previous success, which included winning the national championship in 2019. The decision was influenced by LSU's disappointing performance in subsequent seasons and a sexual harassment lawsuit faced by the university.
Did Coach O Retire?
No, Coach O did not retire. Following his departure from LSU, he made it clear that he had no plans to continue coaching in 2022. He decided to take a break from the coaching profession and cited a desire to spend quality time with his family and friends.
While he firmly stated his non-coaching stance at that moment, he left the door open for potential coaching opportunities down the road. Coach O's future in coaching remains uncertain, but he hasn't officially retired from the profession, leaving room for speculation about a possible return.
Why was Coach O Fired?
Coach O was fired from LSU due to a combination of factors. LSU's performance on the football field had notably declined following their triumphant 2019 national championship season, which raised questions about the team's direction and competitiveness. Secondly, the university faced a troubling sexual harassment lawsuit, casting a shadow over its leadership.
These dual challenges, a slump in performance and the lawsuit, prompted LSU's decision to terminate Coach O's tenure. As part of the separation agreement, he received a substantial buyout of approximately $16.9 million, marking the end of his coaching journey with the Tigers.
Where is Coach O Now?
As of the most recent updates, Coach O, whose full name is Edward James Orgeron Jr., has been splitting his time between Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Miami, Florida. Despite his extensive coaching background, he has opted for a break from actively coaching any football team. This decision followed his departure from LSU in 2021.
Coach O expressed a desire to step back from the demanding coaching profession and, instead, focus on personal pursuits and spending time with family and friends. While his coaching future remains uncertain, he has not taken on any coaching roles in 2022, signaling a temporary hiatus from the sidelines.
Coach O Girlfriend
Coach O, known for his previous marriages and divorces, made headlines in May when he announced his engagement to Brandy Nicole, whose birth name is Bailie Lauderdale. Brandy Nicole is not only recognized for her personal relationship with Coach O but also for her career as a model and her role as a business owner.
Their relationship reportedly began in 2020 and culminated in a public engagement announcement. Coach O's engagement marked a personal milestone in his life as he transitioned away from coaching, allowing him to embark on a new chapter alongside Brandy Nicole, who has her own professional pursuits and identity in the modeling and business worlds.
Ed Orgeron Early Life and Career
Edward James Orgeron Jr., known as Ed Orgeron or Coach O, was born on July 27, 1961, in Larose, Louisiana. He spent his formative years in Larose, a town nestled in Lafourche Parish along the Bayou Lafourche. Orgeron's Cajun heritage runs deep, reflecting his roots in this culturally rich region. His early athletic inclinations became evident during his time at South Lafourche High School, where he actively participated in high school football.
Notably, he was part of the school's football team that clinched the Class 4A state championship in 1977. Ed Orgeron's journey in college football began at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he initially joined the ranks as a defensive lineman. However, after his first year, he decided to transfer to Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, marking a pivotal move in his athletic pursuits.
Orgeron's decision to transfer to Northwestern State University represented a significant chapter in his life, setting the stage for his future career as both a player and coach in the world of American football. His experience as a defensive lineman during his college years would eventually become the foundation upon which he would build a successful coaching career, leaving an enduring mark on the sport.
Coach O Real Name
Coach O's full and real name is Edward James Orgeron Jr. This name reflects his Cajun heritage and Louisiana roots. Throughout his career in football, he's been widely recognized and referred to as "Coach O" due to the pronunciation of his last name, Orgeron.
This nickname has become synonymous with his coaching prowess and distinctive personality within the world of college football. Despite the informal moniker, his official name remains Edward James Orgeron Jr., a name that carries his personal and familial history.
Ed Orgeron Age
Born on July 27, 1961, Ed Orgeron is currently 62 years old. Hailing from Larose, Louisiana, Orgeron's life journey has encompassed various roles, from a college football player to a highly regarded football coach. Over the years, he has become a notable figure in American football, known for his distinctive coaching style and Cajun heritage.
As he continues his journey, his age and experience serve as a testament to the enduring passion and dedication he has brought to the sport, leaving a lasting impact on the football world.
Ed Orgeron Net Worth
Ed Orgeron's estimated net worth stands at an impressive $35 million, a testament to his multifaceted career in American football. This substantial wealth is primarily attributed to his coaching endeavors, where he has excelled at various universities, including LSU, Ole Miss, and USC. His coaching salary, at the time this information was available, was a noteworthy $9 million, reflecting his standing as one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.
Orgeron's financial success is also grounded in his earlier years as an NFL player, which further contributed to his accumulated wealth. As a result, his net worth underscores the rewards of his dedication and accomplishments in both playing and coaching the sport, solidifying his place as a respected figure in football.
Ed Orgeron Instagram
What Happened to Coach O: FAQs
Edward James Orgeron Jr., commonly known as Coach O, is an American football coach and former NFL player.
Coach O's tenure as the head coach of LSU came to an end after the 2021-22 season. He was fired from his position despite his previous success, which included winning the national championship in 2019.
Coach O was fired from LSU due to a decline in the team's performance in the seasons following the 2019 national championship win, coupled with lawsuit involving the university.
Coach O is currently residing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Miami, Florida.
Coach O has an estimated net worth of $35 million, primarily from his coaching career and his time as an NFL player.