Blake Baker was recently promoted from safeties coach, as he moved from LSU, to be the defensive coordinator at Missouri.

On Monday, he met with the media for the first time to explain his vision for the defense. He replaced Steve Wilks, who left for a job on the staff of the Carolina Panthers.

Baker told reporters that he wants to carry over as much terminology as possible from last year, and that spring is about player development, not scheme, although Baker explained that his scheme is very “user friendly,” and that it’s had instant success in his first year at programs, such as Louisiana Tech and Miami.

Baker added that his most important mentors in coaching are Mack Brown, Manny Diaz, Skip Holtz and Will Muschamp.

What’s his message to Mizzou players? “We’re not going to talk about last year. Everyone starts with a clean slate.”

Baker coached at Miami for 2 seasons, and Louisiana Tech for 5 seasons where he was a defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at both schools. He got his start in coaching at Clear Springs (Texas) High School, and went on to be a graduate assistant at Texas, and later coached safeties at Arkansas State.

H/T Dave Matter.