LSU football coach Lane Kiffin talks importance of keeping Blake Baker

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Spring practice is in full swing for LSU football. On Tuesday, LSU head coach Lane Kiffin met with the media to talk about the Tigers' progress. He took some time to discuss LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker.

Baker is a holdover from the previous staff. LSU's defense was far from the problem in 2025, and given Baker's pedigree, Kiffin made the choice to keep Baker in Baton Rouge.

"Playing LSU every year like we did at the previous place, you know, we had to watch the transformation defensively when Blake got here, and how that worked and how much they improved each season. And so, you know, I was very pleased that we were able to keep him," Kiffin said.

LSU's defense finished 2025 ranked No. 12 in SP+. That's impressive, given LSU is two years removed from one of the worst defenses in program history. Baker arrived in 2024 and delivered immediate returns.

In 2025, Baker had more talent to work with and the unit was close to elite. LSU made it a point to give Baker talent again, signing the No. 1-ranked transfer portal class in the country.

But along with the newcomers, the retention of Baker and staff allowed LSU to hold on to some key players. Kiffin talked about the continuity aspect.

"If you start over on both sides, it's like you're creating an expansion team nowadays, you know, because you have to basically scratch everything from scratch, and the majority of the players leave the place. And so, you know, it was really critical to keep him, because he has done a great job continuing to improve them, and now we want to go to another level and play really physical dominant defense that creates a lot of havoc and turnovers, but at the same time plays with great discipline."

Baker was a head coaching candidate at Tulane, yet decided to ink an extension with the Tigers.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football coach Lane Kiffin talks importance of keeping Blake Baker

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