The LSU Tigers have never been a program that rests on past success or leans solely on tradition. Building toward the future has always been a top priority in Baton Rouge, and that commitment is once again evident in the newest additions to the LSU football staff. With the hiring of Sam Petitto, Kelvin Bolden, and Jeff Martin, the Tigers are bolstering their behind-the-scenes infrastructure with three seasoned professionals who bring recruiting prowess, player development expertise, and deep regional ties. Their presence signals that LSU is serious about continuing its climb not just in the SEC, but across the national stage in college football. These hires aren’t just about adding personnel—they’re about sharpening the edge of a program that expects nothing less than excellence.
Sam Petitto arrives at LSU with a reputation that precedes him across college football recruiting circles. A former Georgia staffer under Kirby Smart, Petitto played a crucial role in assembling one of the nation’s most dominant rosters during his time in Athens. He is widely recognized as a recruiting analyst with a sharp eye for talent, deep connections across the South, and the ability to identify players before they become national stars. Petitto brings with him a deep understanding of what it takes to build a championship-level roster. His recruiting acumen and ability to work behind the scenes with coaches and staff to shape a pipeline of elite-level talent make him an invaluable asset to the LSU operation. At Georgia, he worked directly with recruiting logistics and helped streamline processes that led to multiple top-ranked recruiting classes. In joining LSU, Petitto reunites with familiar SEC competition and brings a relentless work ethic and meticulous organizational approach that will help the Tigers stay ahead in the ultra-competitive recruiting landscape.
Kelvin Bolden, meanwhile, joins the LSU family as a respected figure in the recruiting and player relations space. Known throughout the state of Mississippi and the Gulf Coast region, Bolden has built strong relationships with high school coaches, players, and families over the years. His most recent work with Southern Miss and Ole Miss showed his ability to connect on a human level while still maintaining the strategic vision needed for elite-level recruiting. Bolden’s strength lies in bridging the gap between prospective athletes and the university’s culture. At LSU, he is expected to play a vital role in outreach and player development, ensuring the next generation of Tigers not only choose LSU but thrive once they arrive. His regional presence is a powerful addition to LSU’s recruiting footprint, especially as the Tigers look to assert dominance in Mississippi, Alabama, and surrounding territories. Bolden brings charisma, empathy, and a deep understanding of what makes LSU special, and that combination should pay dividends quickly as he settles into his new role.
Jeff Martin, long a beloved figure in LSU circles, marks a homecoming of sorts with his return to Baton Rouge. Martin was previously a key part of LSU’s off-field staff during the program’s historic 2019 national championship run, serving as director of player development. His relationships with players, families, and staff earned him widespread respect and admiration. Since his initial time at LSU, Martin continued to grow his reputation with stints at USC and in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs, giving him a broader view of football operations and what success looks like at every level. His return to LSU is both a strategic and sentimental win. Known for his professionalism, tireless dedication, and deep understanding of the Tiger culture, Martin’s return injects energy into LSU’s player support infrastructure. He is expected to lead initiatives that help players grow off the field, manage the increasing complexity of NIL, and transition into leadership roles both on and off the gridiron. Jeff Martin understands what LSU means to its players and fans alike, and that institutional knowledge is invaluable.
Together, Petitto, Bolden, and Martin form a trio that strengthens LSU’s foundation in three critical areas: recruiting, player development, and relationships. This is not merely a reshuffling or expansion of staff—it’s a strategic move aimed at sharpening LSU’s competitive edge. As the Tigers continue to compete in one of the most talent-rich and demanding conferences in college football, having top-tier minds behind the scenes is just as important as having elite talent on the field. Each of these new additions brings something different to the table, but all are united by a shared commitment to the program’s future. Whether it’s Petitto’s analytical approach to talent evaluation, Bolden’s relationship-building strengths, or Martin’s proven leadership in player development, LSU is making it clear that it is building for sustained excellence.
