In a jaw-dropping legal decision that has quickly become one of the most talked-about rulings in recent sports and legal headlines, the Louisiana Supreme Court has ruled that former LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron’s massive $16 million buyout from Louisiana State University is considered “community property.” As a result, Orgeron’s ex-wife, Kelly Orgeron, has been awarded a staggering $8 million — exactly half of the buyout sum.
This decision didn’t come lightly. The case stems from Orgeron’s divorce, which was finalized in early 2020, months before LSU would go on to win the national championship. Though the couple had already split by the time the buyout was triggered in 2021 — after LSU and Orgeron parted ways — Kelly argued that the contract itself, including the lucrative buyout clause, was signed while they were still married. That, she contended, made the payout fair game under Louisiana’s strict community property laws.
And the state’s highest court agreed.
In the 4-3 ruling, the court emphasized that because Orgeron’s buyout deal was structured and finalized during the marriage, it was subject to division upon dissolution of the union. “The nature of the income, not the timing of its receipt, determines its classification,” wrote Justice Camille Lacy in the majority opinion. “Coach Orgeron’s agreement with LSU was negotiated and agreed upon as a married man. His compensation, including the buyout, was earned during the marriage.”
The case has stirred debate across legal, sports, and social media platforms. Many legal analysts view the ruling as a textbook interpretation of Louisiana’s community property laws, which state that any assets or earnings accrued during a marriage must be split equally in divorce — unless a prenuptial agreement specifies otherwise. The Orgerons had no such agreement in place.
For Kelly Orgeron, who was married to Ed for 23 years and stood by him through the highs and lows of his coaching journey, the ruling is being hailed by some as a well-deserved recognition of her contributions. She was a visible and supportive presence during Ed’s rise in the college football ranks and played a significant behind-the-scenes role in helping him navigate the demanding pressures of SEC coaching life.
Still, the ruling comes as a blow to Ed Orgeron, whose coaching future remains uncertain. Since his departure from LSU in 2021, Orgeron has not taken another head coaching job, though he has made appearances as a guest speaker and consultant. He now finds himself handing over a massive portion of what many believed to be a personal financial victory.
Reactions to the decision have been swift and divided. Some fans of Orgeron are expressing frustration, viewing the ruling as an overreach. Others argue it highlights the importance of understanding state property laws — especially in high-profile careers where future earnings can become legal battlegrounds.
Meanwhile, legal experts say this ruling may set a precedent for similar cases in the world of sports and entertainment, where buyouts and contract earnings often materialize well after the dissolution of marriages.
As for Kelly Orgeron, the $8 million payout marks a new chapter in her life — one that is now firmly separated from the Tigers’ sidelines and the bright lights of SEC football. Whether Ed Orgeron decides to return to coaching or not, one thing is certain: this stunning legal twist has added an unexpected and dramatic layer to the legacy of the coach who once led LSU to the pinnacle of college football.