Lane Kiffin continues to shape his vision for LSU, and one of his latest moves shows he’s not just looking to bring in new faces-he’s also recognizing the value of the ones already in the building.
Sources confirm that JR Belton, a familiar and respected presence within the LSU program, is being elevated to assistant general manager. It’s a significant move that speaks volumes about both Belton’s impact behind the scenes and Kiffin’s approach to building continuity in Baton Rouge.
Belton’s LSU journey began back in 2021 when he joined Ed Orgeron’s staff as director of scouting. A Louisiana native and former Louisiana Tech quarterback, Belton quickly made his mark with his eye for talent and deep understanding of the recruiting landscape in the region.
When Brian Kelly took over in 2022, Belton wasn’t just retained-he was promoted to director of recruiting. And that decision paid off in a big way.
During his time overseeing LSU’s recruiting efforts, Belton helped secure multiple top-tier classes, signing 59 players with either 4 or 5-star ratings. That kind of track record doesn’t go unnoticed, especially in the SEC, where recruiting is the lifeblood of every contender. Belton’s ability to identify and land elite talent has been a cornerstone of LSU’s roster-building efforts in recent years.
Now, under Kiffin, Belton’s role is expanding once again. As assistant general manager, he’ll likely have a broader influence across both recruiting and football operations-a hybrid role that suits his versatile skill set. Kiffin, known for surrounding himself with sharp football minds, clearly sees Belton as someone who can help LSU compete at the highest level, not just on the field, but in the war rooms and recruiting offices where championship foundations are built.
This move also signals something bigger: while Kiffin is bringing in trusted staffers from his Ole Miss days, he’s not cleaning house. He’s blending old and new, leaning on institutional knowledge while adding fresh energy. That’s a smart play in a place like Baton Rouge, where tradition and expectation run deep.
Belton has earned the trust of three different head coaches now-Orgeron, Kelly, and Kiffin-which tells you just how respected he is inside the building. His promotion is more than just a title change. It’s a recognition of the work he’s already done and a bet on what he can continue to bring to a program with national championship aspirations.
In a sport where coaching staffs are constantly turning over, LSU is making a statement by keeping one of its most valuable behind-the-scenes leaders right where he belongs.