LSU football coach Lane Kiffin talks importance of keeping Blake Baker

Spring practice is in full swing for LSU football. On Tuesday, LSU head coach Lane Kiffin met with the media to talk about the Tigers ' progress. He took some time to discuss LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker.

Baker is a holdover from the previous staff. LSU's defense was far from the problem in 2025, and given Baker's pedigree, Kiffin made the choice to keep Baker in Baton Rouge. "Playing LSU every year like we did at the previous place, you know, we had to watch the transformation defensively when Blake got here, and how that worked and how much they improved each season.

And so, you know, I was very pleased that we were able to keep him," Kiffin said. LSU's defense finished 2025 ranked No. 12 in SP+.

That's impressive, given LSU is two years removed from one of the worst defenses in program history. Baker arrived in 2024 and delivered immediate returns. In 2025, Baker had more talent to work with and the unit was close to elite.