Netflix Sets Release Date for “One for the Ages: The Ed Orgeron Story” — A Gripping Look Inside LSU’s Legendary Coach’s Rise, Glory, and Departure
Get ready, college football fans. Netflix is about to deliver an all-access, emotionally charged, and thoroughly cinematic documentary that dives deep into one of the sport’s most charismatic and controversial figures—Ed Orgeron. Titled “One for the Ages: The Ed Orgeron Story”, the film is set to premiere in Fall 2025, promising a gripping look into the roller-coaster career of the Louisiana native who brought LSU football its most dominant season in modern history, then left just as quickly as he rose.
A Louisiana Legend
Ed Orgeron was never just a football coach. He was—and remains—a symbol of Louisiana grit, passion, and pride. With his unmistakable Cajun accent and chest-thumping enthusiasm, Orgeron captured the heart of Tiger Nation when he led the 2019 LSU Tigers to a 15-0 record, an SEC Championship, a College Football Playoff National Championship, and one of the most iconic seasons in NCAA history.
This new Netflix documentary is the first in-depth, authorized portrayal of Orgeron’s life. From his rough beginnings in Larose, Louisiana, to the mountaintop of college football glory, and finally, to his sudden and mysterious exit from LSU in 2021, One for the Ages promises never-before-seen footage, interviews, and a candid narrative told by the man himself.
Netflix’s Continued Investment in Sports Storytelling
This isn’t Netflix’s first dive into college sports. The streaming giant has already proven it knows how to capture the soul of competition with projects like Last Chance U, Untold, and Quarterback. With One for the Ages, Netflix turns its camera toward the SEC—a conference revered as a religion in the South—and tells the story of a man whose career both inspired and puzzled fans and critics alike.
According to Netflix’s Head of Documentaries, Susan Rice (no relation to the diplomat), “Ed Orgeron is one of the most fascinating characters in American sports. We wanted to make a documentary that didn’t just highlight the wins, but also the man behind the headset—the struggles, the controversies, the mistakes, and ultimately, the resilience.”
The Structure: Three Acts, One Legacy
The documentary is structured into three acts—The Rise, The Glory, and The Departure—each packed with emotional depth and critical insight.
Act One: The Rise
Before he became the face of LSU football, Ed Orgeron’s career was anything but stable. After playing defensive line at LSU and Northwestern State, Orgeron took up coaching in the late 1980s. His early coaching career was marred by personal struggles, including a bar fight that led to his resignation from the University of Miami in 1992. These years are covered with surprising vulnerability, with Orgeron himself narrating his darkest moments.
The film highlights his redemption arc, from strength coach at Arkansas to defensive line coach at USC, where he earned acclaim for his passionate leadership and recruiting prowess. Viewers will also get a rare look into his controversial stint as the head coach at Ole Miss—a job where he failed spectacularly, going 10–25 in three seasons.
But even in failure, Orgeron’s passion never waned.
“I made a lot of mistakes,” Orgeron admits in the film. “But I always believed I’d get one more shot.”
Act Two: The Glory
The second act chronicles the 2016-2020 LSU era, starting with Orgeron being named interim head coach following the firing of Les Miles. His subsequent hiring as full-time coach was met with skepticism by media and fans alike, many seeing him as a stopgap rather than a savior.
But that all changed in 2019.
With Joe Burrow at quarterback, a revolutionary offense led by Joe Brady, and a locker room united like never before, LSU didn’t just win—they dominated. The team steamrolled opponents like Alabama, Oklahoma, and Clemson, with Burrow winning the Heisman Trophy in one of the most lopsided votes ever.
The documentary includes locker room speeches, sideline audio, and Burrow’s exclusive thoughts on Orgeron’s leadership.
“He gave us the freedom to be ourselves,” Burrow says. “He trusted us, and that kind of culture—it’s rare.”
The film doesn’t shy away from the criticism LSU faced during that magical season. Critics called it a “one-hit wonder,” and others speculated whether Orgeron could sustain success without Brady or Burrow.
Still, Orgeron’s moment in the sun remains one of the most cherished periods in LSU’s storied history.
Act Three: The Departure
Just two years after hoisting the national championship trophy, Ed Orgeron and LSU agreed to part ways in October 2021, midway through a disappointing season.
What went wrong?
Netflix dives into the internal politics, recruiting missteps, COVID-19 disruptions, and a slew of off-the-field distractions that slowly eroded Orgeron’s empire. Interviewees range from players and assistants to journalists and even boosters, providing a balanced look at a tenure that imploded just as quickly as it ignited.
Perhaps the most poignant moment comes when Orgeron reflects on the decision to step down:
“I was given the keys to a Ferrari, and I drove it like a pickup truck,” he says. “I don’t regret winning, but I regret losing what came after.”
There are also raw discussions around Orgeron’s personal life, including his divorce and how the attention and pressure of being the head coach at LSU impacted his mental health.
Star-Studded Interviews and Insightful Commentary
One for the Ages doesn’t just rely on Orgeron’s voice. It features an all-star lineup of interviews:
- Joe Burrow – 2019 Heisman Trophy Winner
- Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson – NFL Pro Bowl receivers who thrived under Orgeron
- Scott Woodward – LSU Athletic Director
- Paul Finebaum – SEC Network analyst
- Tim Tebow – Former Florida Gators QB and ESPN analyst
- Nick Saban – Alabama Head Coach and former LSU coach
- James Carville – LSU superfan and political commentator
- Marcus Spears – ESPN analyst and former LSU All-American
These voices paint a vivid, complex portrait of Orgeron—not just as a coach, but as a man caught between tradition and transformation in the cutthroat world of college football.
The Southern Backdrop and LSU’s Culture
Filmed on location in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Larose, the documentary doesn’t merely focus on games and headlines. It digs into Louisiana culture, LSU fandom, and the way football functions as a lifeblood of the region.
Tailgates, parades, second-line bands, gumbo pots, and Tiger Stadium’s famed “Saturday night lights” are all part of the cinematic tapestry. The documentary also includes archival footage of Orgeron growing up in Lafourche Parish, where his love for football was first forged.
A Story Bigger Than Football
While Orgeron’s journey is at the heart of the story, One for the Ages is also a commentary on redemption, identity, and the impossible expectations placed on coaches in the modern era of college football.
It asks hard questions:
- How do we measure success—by wins or by legacy?
- Can a working-class coach survive in a business obsessed with optics and branding?
- What happens when the man becomes bigger than the program?
By the end, viewers are left with a fuller understanding of why Ed Orgeron mattered—and why his story resonates far beyond the SEC.
The Verdict: A Must-Watch for Football Fans and Beyond
If early reports and festival screenings are any indication, One for the Ages is on track to be one of the most powerful sports documentaries Netflix has ever released. Critics are already calling it:
“A Southern-fried Shakespearean tragedy—equal parts inspirational and heartbreaking.”
— The Athletic
“Not just about football. It’s about failure, forgiveness, and finding meaning after the confetti settles.”
— Variety
With a runtime of just over two hours, and produced by Emmy-winning documentarian Ezra Edelman (O.J.: Made in America), the film promises high-quality storytelling, incredible visuals, and emotional depth.
Coach O’s Legacy Lives On
Ed Orgeron may no longer patrol the LSU sideline, but his presence in Baton Rouge is still felt—through the players he mentored, the fans he inspired, and the memories he helped create.
One for the Ages doesn’t try to reframe Orgeron as perfect. Instead, it embraces the contradictions: the flawed genius, the loyal Cajun, the relentless motivator, the wounded warrior. His story is part fable, part cautionary tale, and all heart.
When the documentary premieres this fall, fans from across the country—whether they cheer for LSU, Alabama, or anyone in between—will find something in Coach O’s journey to admire, to learn from, and perhaps even to heal with.
Release Date: October 2025
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Runtime: 125 minutes
Rating: TV-MA (Language, Mild Thematic Elements)
