Brian Kelly’s 2021 staff purge reflection

Lane Kiffin is making power moves at LSU — and one of his smartest decisions so far is what he didn’t do.

Rather than wiping out the program’s internal structure the way Brian Kelly did in 2021, Kiffin has retained and promoted key LSU support staff, including JR Belton’s promotion to Assistant General Manager. While Kiffin brought trusted personnel from Ole Miss, he’s also preserved institutional knowledge to stabilize the transition and keep LSU’s football machine running smoothly.

We discuss:

Why keeping LSU’s behind-the-scenes leadership matters

How Kiffin’s approach differs sharply from Brian Kelly’s overhaul

Why the JR Belton promotion is a major signal internally

Lane Kiffin’s Houston fundraising trip and the cost of the roster he just built

Whether massive football spending impacts booster appetite for a Matt McMahon buyout

The ripple effects this could have on LSU basketball and the athletic department

Kiffin isn’t just recruiting players — he’s recruiting people, money, and trust. And that may be the difference in whether this era at LSU truly works.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 
 

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast
 

FanDuel
If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.