LSU Poaches Blake Baker Away From Missouri With Record-Breaking Contract, per Report

The defensive coordinator returns to Baton Rouge after serving as the Tigers’ linebackers coach in 2021.

Former Missouri defensive coordinator Blake Baker is set to take on the same position at LSU.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Baker will sign a three-year contract worth $2.5 million per year, which makes him the highest-paid assistant in college football. 247Sports insider Matt Zenitz was first to report the news.

Baker, who was a key component of Missouri's successful 11–2 season, will join Brian Kelly’s staff in 2024 despite recently signing an extension to remain with Eliah Drinkwitz and the Tigers.

The 41 year-old defensive guru, who played at Tulane from 2000-04, soared up the collegiate coaching ranks in 2010, earning stints with Louisiana Tech and Miami prior to the past two seasons at Missouri. Baker returns to Baton Rouge after serving as linebackers coach in 2021.

Baker's defensive unit, which ranked No. 25 in the nation allowing only 20.9 points per game, helped Missouri finish 2023 on a four-game winning streak that was capped by a dominant 14-3 win over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.