Why name Austin Thomas GM?

Hidden in the madness is the fact LSU now has the first ever GM in college football. Why was this necessary and what could it mean? Austin and Coach O are very tight, so is this just a gift from Orgeron or does it mean Coach O is the favorite for the permanent gig? How will other candidates feel about having a "GM" and "personnel director". I'm assuming he doesn't have hiring/firing responsibilities like a NFL GM (but I don't know that he doesn't). Just seems weird and unnecessary to me, even though I think Thomas is great.