Orgeron Headed Back to College

Ed Orgeron is headed to Tennessee. The former Ole Miss head coach, who spent the 2008 season as the New Orleans Saints defensive line coach, confirmed via text message this afternoon that he has accepted an offer to be the Volunteers recruiting coordinator, defensive line coach and will have the title of associate head coach. “I’m so excited,” Orgeron said via phone. “I get to coach with Monte [Kiffin] and I’m getting to recruit again. It’s pedal to the metal and I can’t wait to get up there.” Orgeron came to his decision after spending the past few days in Destin, Fla., with his family and weighing his options which included an offer in a smiliar role at LSU or staying in New Orleans. The 47-year-old Louisiana native had been intrgued by the chance to coach at LSU, a school he grew up rooting for. However he was ultimately swayed by the chance to work with new UT coach Lane Kiffin and his father, legendary defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin who also has relocated to Knoxville. Orgeron is expected to make $650,000 making him one of the nation’s highest paid assistants. – ESPN.com

New Orleans Saints defensive line coach Ed Orgeron has accepted a position on new coach Lane Kiffin’s growing staff to be Tennessee’s recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach. The move happened suddenly on New Year’s Eve less than two days after multiple reports had Orgeron leaning towards accepting a similar position at LSU. Orgeron last coached in college at Ole Miss in 2005-07 and compiled a 10-25 record. Despite being fired from that post, Orgeron was widely credited with upgrading the Rebels’ talent level. Following Orgeron’s departure, Ole Miss went 8-4 and 5-3 in the SEC under first-year coach Houston Nutt. – Knoxville News-Sentinel