ED ORGERON ABSENT FROM LSU PRACTICE DUE TO ILLNESS

Ed Orgeron, special assistant to LSU head coach Lane Kiffin, missed two consecutive practice sessions at the Tigers' facility, including a weekend scrimmage ahead of the season opener against Clemson. Kiffin addressed the absence publicly, stating that Orgeron was unwell and had been sent home to recover. According to Kiffin, Orgeron is expected to return soon.

Orgeron previously served as LSU's head coach and led the programme to a national championship. Kiffin described difficulty in persuading Orgeron to take time away from the practice field, characterising him as reluctant to miss football activities during the crucial August training period. Kiffin noted that Orgeron and he have worked together for over two decades, beginning as assistant coaches together at the University of Southern California.

LSU enters the 2024 season ranked eleventh in the country, with significant expectations placed on Kiffin's debut year in the role. By publicly explaining Orgeron's absence, Kiffin sought to prevent speculation about the circumstances surrounding the veteran assistant's time away from the facility. Kiffin stated he expected Orgeron to rejoin the team imminently.