LSU football, Lane Kiffin expected to retain Blake Baker
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A key piece of LSU football's staff is sticking around to work with newly hired head coach Lane Kiffin. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker will remain at his post in Baton Rouge, per a report from CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz on Monday.
The Tigers' defense took a huge step forward with personnel and performance in 2025. Keeping Baker at the helm of the unit will ensure consistency among a host of other changes for the team.
Under Baker's leadership, LSU brought in several players to rebuild a depleted defensive line and secondary as part of the nation's top transfer portal class. Multiple defenders left for the NFL Draft and entered the portal following the 2024 season, leaving the Tigers without heavy contributors across the board.
Keeping Baker also helps maintain LSU's dominant 2026 class, headlined by four defensive linemen, including five-stars Lamar Brown and Richard Anderson, as well as five defensive backs.
Lane Kiffin plans to keep Blake Baker as LSU’s defensive coordinator, sources tell @CBSSports.
Has LSU ranked 15th nationally in scoring defense this year, just two years after the Tigers ranked 81st in that category prior to him being hired. https://t.co/Hnyuu9BvQrpic.twitter.com/UNWJUTYzXc
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 1, 2025
There were reports the Baker would be considered by Tulane, his alma mater, for its head coach vacancy. However, it appears he'll stay put for the time being and help Kiffin start a new chapter in Baton Rouge.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football, Lane Kiffin expected to retain Blake Baker
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