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LSU, Orgeron to part ways after season

MediaNews Group/Inland Valley Daily Bulletin via Getty Images / MediaNews Group / Getty

Ed Orgeron won't return to LSU in 2022 after striking a separation agreement with the school he led to a national title two seasons ago, the program announced Sunday.

The 60-year-old will finish the season - his fifth as LSU's full-time head coach - before moving on. The Tigers are likely to pay his entire buyout, which is worth over $17 million, according to The Athletic's Bruce Feldman.

Orgeron's relationship with LSU administration became strained due to his public and private behavior, as well as his management of the team, reports Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated. His results on the field also diminished following the championship.

"I have no regrets," Orgeron said during a press conference Sunday.

"When you win, you're doing everything perfect," he added. "When you lose, you're not."

A Louisiana native, Orgeron assumed his dream job in 2016 once LSU fired Les Miles. He vowed to assemble a top-tier staff to complement his prowess as a recruiter upon being named the permanent head coach.

After taking the Tigers to the Fiesta Bowl in 2018, Orgeron steered the Tigers to a 15-0 record and a national championship in 2019.

LSU lost a boatload of NFL talent - including Joe Burrow - as well as heralded coordinators Joe Brady and Dave Aranda after hoisting the trophy, though, and is 9-8 over its last 17 games.

Orgeron guided the Tigers past Florida on Saturday to improve to 4-3 this season. He owns a 49-17 record with the Tigers and is 65-44 across stints at Ole Miss, USC, and LSU.

Orgeron, who was a decorated defensive line coach before LSU promoted him in 2016, plans to take next year off.

"I am 60 years old. I have coached for 37 years. I'll have enough money to buy me a hamburger," he said, according to Brody Miller of The Athletic.

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