LSU reportedly makes new DC Blake Baker highest-paid assistant

LSU named Blake Baker, defensive coordinator at Missouri, to the same position.

While LSU announced his hiring on Friday, no financial terms were released. ESPN reported Baker will receive a three-year deal worth $2.5 million per year, which will make him the highest-paid assistant coach in college football.

Baker helped Missouri to an 11-win season and a 14-3 defeat of Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 29. It was the first time the Buckeyes didn't score a touchdown in a game since the 2016 season.

Baker spent the past two seasons as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Missouri. Among his career jobs, he was the defensive coordinator at Lousiana Tech (2015-18) and Miami (Fla.) in 2019-20, as well as the linebackers coach at LSU in 2021, before heading to Missouri.

"Blake brings a wealth of experience and success as a defensive coordinator throughout his career, including the last two years in the SEC at Missouri," LSU head coach Brian Kelly said. "His ability to develop and motivate his players while putting together highly successful defenses sets him apart in his field. I am excited to welcome Blake and his family back to Baton Rouge."

On Wednesday, Kelly announced LSU was parting ways with coordinator Matt House and three of his assistants — cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples, safeties coach Kerry Cooks and defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey — following a 10-3 season.

Baker, 41, is a Houston native but his Louisiana roots run deep. He played linebacker at Tulane from 2000-04.

Missouri head coach Eliah Drinkwitz posted a message of appreciation for Baker on social media late Friday.

"Thank you, Blake for all you did for @MizzouFootball," Drinkwitz wrote. "Your help in all we've accomplished cannot be DENIED! I enjoyed every minute of our journey together — but it's time for you to go on a new path."

—Field Level Media