LSU Expected to Name New Assistant GM Under Lane Kiffin

JR Belton, a valued staffer under previous LSU coaches, is expected to be promoted to an expanded role.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 12:15pm

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The LSU Tigers football program is reportedly finalizing its staff for the upcoming 2026-27 season, with plans to name JR Belton as the new assistant general manager to work alongside head coach Lane Kiffin. Belton has been with the program since 2021, serving under previous head coaches Ed Orgeron and Brian Kelly.

Why it matters

This move highlights LSU's commitment to building a strong support staff around new head coach Lane Kiffin, with Belton's promotion to assistant GM signaling the program's focus on roster management, recruiting strategy, and NIL budgets as it looks to compete at the highest level of college football.

The details

Belton, who has been the director of football operations at LSU since 2021, is expected to take on an expanded role as the assistant general manager. In this position, he will be responsible for managing roster construction, recruiting strategy, and assisting with NIL budgets, serving as a liaison between the coaching staff and LSU's administration.

  • Belton has been on staff at LSU since 2021, working under previous head coaches Ed Orgeron and Brian Kelly.
  • Belton is expected to be named the new assistant general manager ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The players

Lane Kiffin

The head coach of the LSU Tigers football program.

JR Belton

A 28-year-old former college football player who has been a valued staffer at LSU since 2021, and is now expected to be promoted to the role of assistant general manager.

Ed Orgeron

The former head coach of the LSU Tigers football program, under whom Belton worked prior to the arrival of Brian Kelly.

Brian Kelly

The former head coach of the LSU Tigers football program, under whom Belton worked before the arrival of Lane Kiffin.

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What they’re saying

“LSU is expected to name JR Belton as an assistant general manager, sources tell CBS Sports. Has been at LSU since 2021 as a valued staffer under Ed Orgeron and Brian Kelly, including as Kelly's director of football ops. Now remaining at LSU under Lane Kiffin in an expanded role.”

— Matt Zenitz, CBS Sports

What’s next

Belton's promotion to assistant general manager is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks as LSU prepares for the 2026-27 season under new head coach Lane Kiffin.

The takeaway

This move by LSU demonstrates the program's commitment to building a strong support staff around new head coach Lane Kiffin, with the promotion of the experienced and well-regarded JR Belton to the role of assistant general manager signaling the Tigers' focus on roster management, recruiting strategy, and NIL budgets as they look to compete at the highest level of college football.