In a surprising twist that has LSU fans smiling, Blake Baker will stay at LSU to be Lane Kiffin's defensive coordinator in 2026. Baker had interviewed for several head coaching jobs, and was reported to be the top target to take the Tulane job.
Baker played for the Green Wave as a linebacker from 2000-04 before entering the coaching ranks in 2009. Given that he seemingly had a chance to coach at his alma mater, Tiger fans were expecting Baker to be on the move.
But now, On3 has confirmed that Kiffin has retained Baker to stay on board as his defensive coordinator as he continues rounding out his first coaching staff in Baton Rouge.