Lane Kiffin has had a hectic few days as the LSU Tigers finalized several commitments for their 2026 recruiting class. Despite a few prospects flipping elsewhere, he still secured a promising group.
Meanwhile, Kiffin and his staff worked to keep LSU’s defensive coordinator Blake Baker, who has been with the Tigers since 2024. After some back-and-forth discussions, Baker ultimately decided to stay in Baton Rouge.
Blake Baker Leaves Tulane Behind to Align With Lane Kiffin and LSU
Baker staying at LSU is a significant win for Kiffin, especially considering the defensive coordinator’s strong candidacy for head coaching roles elsewhere, including Tulane. The Green Wave interviewed Baker for their head coaching vacancy last week, and multiple outlets, including Fox, reported that Tulane was close to hiring him as their next head coach.
Baker has never been a head coach at any level, but Tulane athletic director David Harris even said that lack of experience would not automatically rule out a candidate. Baker’s chances were particularly high given his four seasons as a player at Tulane in the early 2000s.
Baker also drew serious interest from Memphis. Keeping him at LSU is a major win, as he is credited with transforming the Tigers’ defense to an elite level. LSU boasts the nation’s No. 15 scoring defense, allowing just 18.3 points per game.
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Kiffin was the first one from the LSU staff to confirm Baker’s news via social media on Friday night.
“Sorry couldn’t make it to Atlanta, but so excited that I stayed to finish this all up!! @CoachBlakeBaker is going nowhere !!!! 🐯 What a really long amazing Friday for @LSUfootball #ItsDifferent,” Kiffin tweeted.
This marks Baker’s second stint at LSU, having served as linebackers coach in 2021. He was also Missouri’s defensive coordinator from 2022 to 2023 and previously worked as an assistant at Miami, Louisiana Tech, and Arkansas State.
With Baker staying at LSU, Tulane needed to explore other options for their head coaching search. The Green Wave had also considered former Florida head coach Billy Napier, who ultimately chose James Madison. According to Football Scoop, Toledo head coach Jason Candle was interviewed by Tulane on Tuesday.
Tulane capped off the season with a 10-2 record and is ranked No. 27 in the PFSN College Football Playoff Ranking. The Green Wave will play in the American Conference championship game against North Texas on Friday and picked up a 34-21 win. With the win, they secured their berth in the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history.
