Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze spoke of LSU interim coach Ed Orgeron with gratitude during Monday’s press conference, five days prior to their Week 8 matchup at Tiger Stadium.

Freeze, who worked under Orgeron as a tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator during his first stint at Ole Miss from 2006-07, said he was grateful to have learned from the veteran coach.

“I’m indebted to Coach Oregeron,” Freeze said. “Without him giving me an opportunity, to learn from him. I learned a lot from him. Indebted to him. My career is in part due to the opportunity he’s given me. I think his approach is different and it’s working right now.

“I will say this about Coach O, he is the most passionate…never been around a coach that came to work everyday with that same passion, same drive.”

Freeze also suggested that Orgeron should have been given more time at Ole Miss. The Rebels went 10-25 (3-21 SEC) during the former head coach’s three seasons with the program before his termination in 2007.

“People aren’t patient,” Freeze said. “Under Ed, we recruited really well… close to turning it around. Not to second guess anyone but we thought we were close. We didn’t win enough to satisfy everyone.”

Freeze also credited Orgeron’s recent success as LSU’s interim coach. The Tigers are 2-0 (1-0 SEC) and have look revitalized on offense since he took over three weeks ago.

“They are playing with great passion, but offensively they are different. Giving different looks, using the receivers more. Defensively, they are what they have been…The kids are looking like they are having fun. Whatever he’s doing is working.”