Blake Baker to remain with LSU as defensive coordinator

LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker Remaining with the program, coach Lane Kiffin said Friday on the Ax.

Baker, who has led LSU’s defense the past two seasons, interviews for head coaching vacancy tulane And memphis This week there was another strong candidate, sources said. But he will instead remain with Kiffin, who preferred to retain Baker, one of the nation’s highest-paid assistants at $2.5 million.

Baker is expected to receive a revised contract and a pay raise.

Under Baker, the Tigers finished 15th nationally in scoring defense and 25th in total defense this fall. His retention capped a strong day for LSU, which signed the defensive tackle lamar brownESPN’s No. 1 overall recruit, as well as defensive tackle deuce geralds (No. 37).

Baker, 43, is in his second stint at LSU after coaching the team’s linebackers in 2021. A former Tulane linebacker, he has also served as coordinator louisiana tech, miami And missouri,