Baker staying put as LSU defensive coordinator

Adam RittenbergDec 6, 2025, 12:14 AM ETCloseCollege football reporter; joined ESPN in 2008. Graduate of Northwestern University. Follow on XEmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker is remaining with the program, coach Lane Kiffin said Friday on X. Baker, who has led LSU's defense the past two seasons, interviewed for head coaching vacancies at Tulane and Memphis this week and was a strong candidate, sources said. But he instead will remain with Kiffin, who prioritized retaining Baker, one of the nation's highest-paid assistants at $2.5 million. Baker is expected to receive a revised contract and a raise. Under Baker, the Tigers ranked 15th in scoring defense and 25th nationally in total defense this fall.