Comparing Les Miles and Ed Orgeron: Who’s the Better Coach at LSU?

Both Les Miles and Ed Orgeron have made significant impacts on the LSU Tigers football program, with each boasting a wealth of achievements and unique coaching styles. However, in terms of recent performance and team success, it seems that Ed Orgeron has taken the lead.

Equal Successes, but One Clear Winner?

At first glance, Les Miles and Ed Orgeron appear to be nearly equal. They both won National Championships, and both have had their fair share of success.

However, when we delve deeper into recent performances and team achievements, the 2019-2020 season under Ed Orgeron at LSU ushered in a historic era for the program, setting records that many doubt will be surpassed in our lifetime.

Recruiting and Staff Management

While Les Miles was certainly successful in recruiting and had a well-staffed team, Ed Orgeron has proven to be the superior recruiter with a more refined staff. Orgeron's willingness to allow coordinators to nimbly manage their roles is another significant factor that sets him apart.

Orgeron's understanding of the play clock is also noteworthy. He knows when to run plays quickly and efficiently, which is crucial for success in fast-paced games.

The Fire and Loyalty of Ed Orgeron

Ed Orgeron is a home-grown product, born, schooled, and raised in Louisiana. This deep connection to the state and the university adds a level of loyalty and passion that is palpable, especially among the fans and alumni.

Orgeron's background as a dedicated assistant coach and his ability to get the best out of his staff and players make him a formidable coach. His fiery intellect and ability to keep the team focused on 24/7 LSU goals cannot be understated.

Les Miles: Legacy and Fade

Les Miles, on the other hand, was a pillar of the LSU program. He inherited a National Champion roster and won one Championship, but his tenure faced challenges.

Following his initial success, Miles struggled to maintain the program's momentum. With some of the best talent in the country, he succumbed to complacency and let his best coaching job in the SEC slip away over time.

The failure to consistently develop high-ranked quarterbacks was a key issue. Many top quarterbacks hesitated to join a program where the talent on the field consistently outshone the playmakers receiving the ball. LSU's best receivers lacked consistent ball distribution, which could be seen as a sign of the program's decline.

Conclusion: It's Far Too Early to Tell

While Les Miles has achieved more in his tenure and has a track record of producing high-quality players, it's far too early to definitively rank Orgeron against him. Time will tell how Orgeron continues to perform and develop the program.

As of now, Ed Orgeron's impact on the 2019-2020 season is undeniable, with that team arguably being the best college team of a single season ever. The evaluation of both coaches will undoubtedly continue to evolve.