LSU Football Hires Blake Baker as Defensive Coordinator After Brian Kelly Overhauls Entire Defensive Staff in 2024
In a significant move for LSU Football, head coach Brian Kelly has brought in Blake Baker as the new defensive coordinator for the 2024 season. This decision comes on the heels of a major overhaul of the Tigers’ defensive coaching staff, a change that signals Kelly’s commitment to returning LSU to the top of the college football world, both offensively and defensively.
The restructuring of LSU’s defensive staff represents a major turning point for the program, one that is expected to have lasting implications on the team’s performance moving forward. After an up-and-down 2023 season, where LSU showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency on the defensive side of the ball, Kelly made it clear that changes were necessary.
Baker, who comes to LSU with a wealth of experience in college football, including stints as defensive coordinator at Miami (FL) and Louisiana Tech, has been tasked with re-establishing LSU as one of the premier defenses in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His hire is expected to not only improve the Tigers’ defensive play but also to bring a fresh approach and energy to a defense that has faced significant challenges in recent years.
The Need for Change
The decision to completely overhaul the defensive staff was not one that Kelly took lightly, but it was clear that the program needed a shift in direction. LSU’s defense in 2023 was inconsistent, at times playing well against high-powered offenses and at other times getting exposed, particularly in big games against SEC opponents. Despite having elite talent across the board, the unit struggled with discipline, tackling, and coverage, and failed to generate the kind of pressure on opposing quarterbacks that had historically been a hallmark of LSU football.
As a result, Kelly made the bold decision to part ways with the entire defensive staff, a move that shocked some fans and analysts but was viewed by others as a necessary step in revitalizing the program. This drastic action reflected Kelly’s high expectations for the team and his desire to build a defense capable of competing at the highest level.
The defensive staff overhaul was not just about making changes for the sake of change; it was about finding the right leaders to develop the players and implement a defensive scheme that could take advantage of LSU’s talent while addressing the weaknesses that plagued the unit.
Enter Blake Baker
Blake Baker’s hiring as defensive coordinator represents a new chapter for LSU’s defense. Baker, a former linebacker at Rice University, has developed a reputation as a solid, detail-oriented coach who can build strong defensive units. He has worked in several different coaching roles at major programs, including his time as defensive coordinator at both Louisiana Tech and Miami. His track record of improving defenses and developing players has made him a sought-after coach in the college football world.
At Miami, Baker helped oversee one of the ACC’s top defenses during his tenure. Under his guidance, the Hurricanes made significant strides in both stopping the run and generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His ability to create strong defensive units, particularly in the areas of pass defense and red zone efficiency, was a key reason for his success. He also worked closely with players to develop a mental toughness and physicality that became hallmarks of his defenses.
Before his time at Miami, Baker spent several seasons at Louisiana Tech, where he quickly turned a struggling defense into one of the top units in Conference USA. His ability to coach up young players and develop them into key contributors became one of his trademarks, and it was one of the reasons why Kelly and LSU’s administration were eager to bring him on board.
Blake Baker’s Coaching Philosophy
Baker is known for his aggressive and physical approach to defense, which aligns with LSU’s tradition of hard-hitting, tough football. However, Baker also places a significant emphasis on smart, disciplined play. His defenses are built around a foundation of sound fundamentals, strong tackling, and mental toughness. Under his direction, players are expected to play with a high level of intensity while remaining disciplined and focused on executing their assignments.
One of Baker’s key philosophies is the importance of building a deep, talented defensive roster. This means rotating players frequently to keep them fresh throughout the course of a game. Baker’s defenses are known for their ability to apply pressure on the quarterback and stop the run, but he also understands the importance of developing depth at every position on defense. By rotating in players and keeping them fresh, Baker ensures that LSU’s defense can maintain a high level of play for all four quarters.
In addition to his work on the field, Baker is also known for his emphasis on developing relationships with players. He has earned a reputation as a coach who truly cares about his players both on and off the field, and this approach has helped him build strong, lasting connections with his teams. This aspect of his coaching style will likely resonate well with the LSU players, who will need strong leadership to help them navigate the challenges ahead.
The Impact on LSU’s Defense
The hiring of Blake Baker is expected to have an immediate impact on LSU’s defense in 2024. One of the first tasks Baker will face is implementing his defensive scheme and ensuring that the players buy into his philosophy. While the Tigers have plenty of talent on the defensive side of the ball, they will need to adjust to a new system and approach. That process may take time, but if Baker’s past success is any indication, LSU’s defense should improve significantly under his leadership.
Baker’s first priority will likely be to strengthen LSU’s pass rush. In recent years, the Tigers have struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks, which has allowed offenses to gain momentum and make big plays in critical situations. Baker’s defenses are known for their aggressive pass rush, and LSU will be looking for similar results in 2024. With a talented group of pass rushers, including players like Harold Perkins Jr. and Maason Smith, Baker has the tools to create a more disruptive defensive line and linebacker corps.
Another area of focus for Baker will be improving LSU’s secondary play. While the Tigers have some talented players in the defensive backfield, including All-SEC caliber players like Jay Ward and Greg Brooks Jr., the unit struggled with consistency in 2023. Baker will need to develop a secondary that is both physical and disciplined, capable of defending against the potent passing attacks in the SEC while also preventing big plays.
Perhaps most importantly, Baker will need to instill a sense of confidence and discipline in his players. The defense underperformed in key moments during the 2023 season, and there were times when LSU’s players seemed to lose focus or make uncharacteristic mistakes. By emphasizing the importance of mental toughness and focus, Baker will look to turn LSU’s defense into a unit that plays with the same level of poise and confidence as the program’s storied defenses of the past.
Rebuilding the Culture
Beyond X’s and O’s, one of the most important aspects of Blake Baker’s role at LSU will be rebuilding the culture of the defense. LSU has a proud tradition of producing elite defensive players, and the expectations for the Tigers’ defense are always high. With a revamped staff and a new leader at the helm, the hope is that LSU can return to its defensive roots and once again become known for its tough, relentless defense.
Baker’s hiring is part of a broader effort by Brian Kelly to rebuild LSU into a championship-caliber team. While LSU has been known for its offensive firepower in recent years, Kelly understands that to win championships in the SEC, a strong defense is necessary. The overhaul of the defensive coaching staff and the addition of Baker are steps in the right direction, signaling LSU’s commitment to achieving success on both sides of the ball.
The expectations for LSU’s defense in 2024 will be high, but if Baker can bring the same success he achieved at Miami and Louisiana Tech, the Tigers could be well on their way to becoming one of the top defensive teams in the SEC once again.
Looking Ahead
The hiring of Blake Baker is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and transformative year for LSU Football. With new coordinators on both sides of the ball, including the offensive hire of Joe Sloan as offensive coordinator, LSU is positioning itself for a strong 2024 season. While much of the focus will be on the offensive production of quarterback Jayden Daniels and the talented skill players around him, the success of the defense under Baker will ultimately determine how far LSU can go in 2024.
For LSU fans, the hope is that this coaching change will help restore the program to its rightful place as a contender for national championships. With a new defensive leader in place and a renewed commitment to building a dominant defense, the Tigers are setting the stage for what could be a memorable season in Baton Rouge. Time will tell if Baker’s defensive philosophy can translate into success on the field, but for now, the future of LSU Football looks bright with Blake Baker leading the charge on defense.
