$8 Million Bombshell: Louisiana Supreme Court Rules Ed Orgeron Must Pay Ex-Wife Kelly in Shocking LSU Buyout Dispute
In a sensational twist that’s sending shockwaves through the college football world, the Louisiana Supreme Court has ruled that former LSU head coach Ed Orgeron must pay his ex-wife, Kelly Orgeron, a staggering $8.13 million—nearly half of his multimillion-dollar buyout from LSU. The Friday ruling not only reopens a heated legal battle between the former couple but also raises new questions about timing, contracts, and what truly counts as marital property in the high-stakes world of college athletics.
The drama stems from the aftermath of LSU’s legendary 2019 season, one of the most dominant runs in college football history. The Tigers went a perfect 15-0 behind the likes of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, capturing the national title and rewriting the record books along the way. That historic campaign earned Ed Orgeron a major reward—a lucrative contract extension with LSU in January 2020, reportedly worth nearly $17 million in buyout money.
But just six weeks after signing the deal, Orgeron filed for divorce.
A Championship Contract Turned Legal Firestorm
At the heart of the court battle was a pivotal question: Did Kelly Orgeron deserve a portion of the buyout money if the contract wasn’t officially approved until after divorce proceedings had begun?
The Louisiana Supreme Court’s answer: Yes.
In a 5-2 decision, the court determined that because the deal was agreed upon and made effective while the Orgerons were still married, it constituted community property under Louisiana law. That meant Kelly Orgeron had a legal right to share in the financial windfall—despite Ed’s argument that the contract was finalized post-separation.
Writing for the majority, Judge Jefferson Hughes didn’t mince words:
“Even if the employment agreement could be considered a ‘new’ obligation… because it was made effective during the existence of the community, the contract is a community asset… Property acquired during the community is presumed to be community property.”
That ruling overturned a 2024 lower court decision that had previously sided with Ed Orgeron. Notably, three judges in the Supreme Court case were temporary replacements due to recusals, adding even more intrigue to an already fiery dispute.
The Rise, Fall, and Fallout of Coach O
Ed Orgeron’s coaching career with LSU was one of the most electrifying—and brief—rises in college football history. Taking over midway through the 2016 season after the firing of Les Miles, Orgeron quickly established himself as a dynamic leader. After solid seasons in 2017 and 2018, the stars aligned in 2019 when LSU rolled through the SEC and national competition behind what many consider the greatest college football team of all time.
The reward was immediate. In January 2020, Orgeron inked a massive extension and was hailed as a Louisiana hero. But off the field, his marriage was unraveling. The divorce filing came just weeks after the extension—and just before LSU’s fortunes began to plummet.
Following the departure of Burrow and a host of NFL-bound talent, LSU stumbled to a 5-5 record in the COVID-shortened 2020 season. A lackluster 6-6 finish in 2021 only added to the turbulence, prompting LSU to announce Orgeron would not return in 2022. Though he received the full buyout, his coaching star dimmed quickly. To date, Orgeron has not held another official coaching position since leaving Baton Rouge.
What This Means for LSU and the Broader CFB Landscape
This case isn’t just tabloid fodder—it may have ripple effects across the college football landscape. The decision sets a precedent for how coaching contracts signed during marriage can be treated as community property, particularly in states like Louisiana with strict marital asset laws.
For coaches and athletic departments alike, this adds a new layer of legal and financial complexity. When multimillion-dollar contracts are involved, timing and legal definitions of “ownership” can come back to bite—even years later.
Final Thoughts
Ed Orgeron may have led LSU to one of the most unforgettable seasons in college football history, but this latest chapter is a harsh reminder that championships don’t shield you from real-life consequences. With the Louisiana Supreme Court ruling now in the books, Coach O faces not just the ghosts of a once-golden tenure—but the reality of an $8 million payment that puts his off-field legacy under as much scrutiny as his on-field triumphs.
Stay with TrendySoccerNews.com for more updates on this developing story, and for all the latest buzz in the world of college football.
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