Blake Baker reportedly lands new contract with LSU after turning down Tulane HC job
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Blake Baker is staying put. The LSU defensive coordinator was a top target in the Tulane head coaching search, but he has decided to stay in Baton Rouge with the Tigers under new head coach Lane Kiffin.
College football insider Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports reports that Baker decided Friday night to stay at LSU after being pursued by Tulane. He’s set to become one of the top-3 highest-paid assistant coaches in college football, signing a 3-year contract with a salary of more than $3 million.
Baker decided late last night to remain at the school after a push from Tulane for its head coaching position. After a stint at Missouri, Baker took over a defense ranked 108th in the country two years ago. The Tigers were 25th this past season in total defense.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 6, 2025
Baker, 43, has been LSU’s defensive coordinator for the past 2 seasons. He also coached the team’s linebackers in the 2021 season. He was Mizzou‘s defensive coordinator for the 2002 and ’23 seasons before returning to LSU ahead of the 2024 campaign.
Keeping Baker in Baton Rouge is a big win for Kiffin. Upon Kiffin’s hiring, it was reported that the new head coach of the Tigers sought to retain Baker. The Tulane job came open this past Sunday, with Jon Sumrall accepting the head coaching position at Florida. Tulane won the American championship on Friday.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
