LSU might not deal in drafting or free agency, but starting Sunday the team now has a general manager.

Austin Thomas, who has a reputation as an excellent evaluator of talent, will now have the title of GM with the Tigers, the first in college football history.

Thomas left LSU in February for a job with USC, but was talked into coming back to the bayou in May.

Ed Orgeron once gushed to FootballScoop.com about Thomas’ evaluations:

“Austin is a great evaluator. He spends countless hours devouring film and is highly organized when gathering information on a player,” Orgeron said. “From talent identification and evaluation, to connecting with the players and managing all of their visits, Austin runs all of it. He’s the main reason for our recruiting success.”

Other staff changes LSU has made Sunday, per Geaux247:

  • Pete Jenkins, defensive line (new hire)
  • Steve Ensminger, interim offensive coordinator (promoted from tight ends)
  • Eric Mateos, tight ends (promoted graduate assistant)
  • Dennis Johnson, outside linebackers (promoted graduate assistant)
  • Dave Aranda, associate head coach
  • Dameyune Craig, recruiting coordinator