Austin Thomas, who has served as the director of player personnel for the LSU football team, is leaving the program for a job at Southern California, LSU spokesman Michael Bonnette confirmed via text message.
FootballScoop.com initially reported Thomas will become USC’s next associate athletic director over personnel. The same organization named Thomas Director of Player Personnel of the Year, as voted on by coaches, athletic directors and athletic department personnel.
Thomas arrived in Baton Rouge in April of 2013 and was responsible for evaluating recruits as well as directing other aspects of the recruiting process. In all three years he worked at LSU, the Tigers finished in the top five of 247Sports’ recruiting team rankings, including the No. 3 class in 2014. That class was highlighted by sophomore running back Leonard Fournette.
The Franklin, Tennessee native worked at USC from 2010-2013, serving under former Trojan coach and current Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin for the majority of his time.
The Lipscomb graduate worked at Bowling Green prior to joining Les Miles’ staff at LSU.