Austin Thomas out as LSU football GM

Austin Thomas, who served two stints within the LSU football program over the last decade, will not be retained by new Tigers coach Brian Kelly, Thomas said in a Twitter post Wednesday.

Thank you #LSU! Forever grateful to have had this opportunity to learn, serve and grow with incredible people.🐯 #GodsPlan 🙏 pic.twitter.com/gxb9rVRotr

— Austin Thomas (@LSUFootballGM) January 5, 2022

Austin Thomas not being retained at #LSU football because of organizational structure, but there could potentially be other opportunities at #LSU in the near future. @WAFB

— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) January 5, 2022

“Today I learned that my time with LSU Football has come to a close,” Thomas wrote. “While change is never easy, I believe that God’s timing is perfect and I will continue to put my trust and faith in Him to guide my path and write the story that He has planned for my life.”

Thomas, a native of Franklin, Tennessee, was on Les Miles’ staff from 2013-15 before being elevated to general manager by Ed Orgeron in 2016. Thomas left following the 2017 season to become associate AD for football personnel at Texas A&M before returning last January in the same GM position.

“I had no expectation for what this job and career could and would become,” Thomas’ said in his post. “But I am undoubtedly changed and possess a heart full of gratitude and memories that my family and I will cherish for a lifetime … From players to coaches to staff, THANK YOU will never be enough.”