LSU is making headlines as it prepares to announce JR Belton as its new director of football operations. This exciting development comes after Belton’s successful tenure as the program’s director of recruiting since 2022. His journey with LSU began in 2021 when he took on the role of director of scouting, showcasing his keen eye for talent and strategic planning.
Belton’s Impressive Recruiting Track Record
During his time overseeing recruiting efforts, Belton achieved remarkable success. LSU boasted the No. 5 high school recruiting class in 2023, followed closely by a No. 7 ranking in 2024 and an impressive No. 8 in 2025. These rankings highlight his ability to attract top-tier talent to the program, setting the stage for future success. With his new role, Belton will now have the opportunity to expand his influence and involvement in the Tigers’ operations.
Responsibilities as Director of Football Operations
In his new position, Belton will take on a critical role overseeing the day-to-day operations for the LSU football team and staff. He will collaborate closely with LSU general manager Austin Thomas on various projects aimed at building a championship-caliber program. This partnership will be vital as LSU looks to enhance its competitive edge in the ever-evolving landscape of college football.
A Glimpse into Belton’s Background
Before joining LSU, Belton gained valuable experience as a regional scout at Virginia for one year. His background also includes a stint as a recruiting intern for the Louisiana Tech football program. These experiences have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the recruiting landscape and the intricacies of football operations.
Belton’s journey to this point is rooted in his own athletic background. He was a standout quarterback at West Monroe High School in north Louisiana, leading his team to an impressive 11-1 record during his senior year. Following high school, he continued his football career at Louisiana Tech, where he graduated in 2019 with a degree in business. This combination of playing experience and administrative acumen makes him a valuable asset to the LSU program.
LSU’s Search for New Staff Members
As LSU embarks on this new chapter with Belton at the helm of football operations, the Tigers are also reportedly targeting former Florida State Seminoles offensive coordinator Alex Atkins for a role on their staff. This move could signal a significant shift in the offensive strategy for LSU, especially after Atkins’ successful tenure at Florida State.
Atkins’ Offensive Success at Florida State
Atkins spent the last three seasons with Florida State, where he served as both the offensive line coach and offensive coordinator. Under his guidance, the Seminoles’ offense flourished, particularly in 2022 and 2023. The 2023 Seminoles had a standout season, going unbeaten in the regular season and clinching the ACC title, largely due to their explosive offensive performance.
In 2023, Florida State ranked 54th nationally in total offense, averaging 401.6 yards per game. They excelled even further in scoring, ranking 18th with an average of 34.6 points per game. These statistics underscore Atkins’ ability to craft a potent offensive scheme that can compete at the highest levels of college football.
Challenges Faced in 2024
However, the 2024 season proved to be a challenging one for both Atkins and the Seminoles. The team struggled, finishing with a disappointing 2-10 record. The offense took a significant step backward, plummeting to 132nd in total offense, averaging just 270.3 yards per game. Additionally, they ranked 131st in scoring offense, managing only 15.4 points per game. This dramatic decline raised questions about the direction of the program.
Adding to the turmoil, Atkins faced a suspension for the first three games of the 2024 season due to recruiting violations. Despite these setbacks, his previous success at Florida State makes him an intriguing candidate for LSU as they look to bolster their coaching staff.
Atkins’ Coaching Journey
Prior to his time at Florida State, Atkins built a solid foundation as an offensive assistant at several programs, including Charlotte, Tulane, and Georgia Southern, as well as various FCS schools. This diverse experience has allowed him to develop a well-rounded coaching philosophy that could greatly benefit LSU’s offensive strategy moving forward.
As LSU navigates these changes, the excitement surrounding the program is palpable. With JR Belton stepping into a pivotal role and potential new staff additions like Alex Atkins on the horizon, the Tigers are poised for a transformative period. The combination of Belton’s recruiting prowess and Atkins’ offensive expertise could be the recipe for success that LSU fans have been eagerly anticipating.
In the world of college football, where every decision can impact a program’s trajectory, LSU is making strategic moves that could redefine its future. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how these changes unfold and the impact they will have on the Tigers’ quest for excellence.
