JUST IN: LSU Football General Manager Austin Thomas Receives Average Annual Raise and Contract Extension…
LSU Football General Manager Austin Thomas has received a substantial raise and a three-year contract extension, doubling his annual salary from $425,000 to $850,000. This move underscores Thomas’s pivotal role in the Tigers’ football program and reflects the growing importance of the general manager position in college football.
Thomas, who returned to LSU in January 2024 for his third tenure, currently serves as the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Football Administration. His responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, budget management, staffing, roster management, and personnel decisions. His extensive experience in college football administration has been instrumental in modernizing LSU’s football operations.
Throughout his career, Thomas has held significant roles at various institutions, including Texas A&M, Baylor, and Ole Miss. At Texas A&M, he was the Associate Athletic Director for Football Personnel, contributing to the Aggies’ highest back-to-back recruiting classes in program history. His tenure at Baylor and Ole Miss further solidified his reputation as a top-tier football administrator.
Thomas’s innovative approach to roster management and recruiting has been recognized nationally. In 2015, he was named the Personnel Director of the Year and was a finalist for the award in 2014. His promotion to General Manager at LSU in 2016 marked the first time someone held that title in the Southeastern Conference, setting a precedent for other programs.
The decision to extend Thomas’s contract and increase his salary aligns with a broader trend in college football, where the general manager role is gaining prominence. Programs like Alabama, USC, and North Carolina have made similar investments, recognizing the value of having a dedicated professional to handle the complexities of modern college football operations.
As LSU prepares for the upcoming season, Thomas’s leadership and expertise will be vital in navigating the challenges of roster management, recruiting, and NIL opportunities. His continued presence ensures that the Tigers remain competitive both on and off the field, maintaining their status as a powerhouse in college football.
