LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker has no doubt he will eventually become a head coach. But for now, his focus is on helping LSU win a national championship.
Baker had opportunities to make that move last December, when both Memphis and Tulane approached him about becoming their head coach. But after discussing the opportunities with his family, Baker decided to remain in Baton Rouge.
“I had a couple of great opportunities,” Baker said. “It starts with my family. Being able to have that conversation with them, my kids are getting older now, so they’re part of that conversation as well. But we’re extremely happy here in Baton Rouge.”
There was another major factor in Baker’s decision.
“I truly believe with what (LSU head coach Lane Kiffin) does on offense and what we do on defense, the ultimate goal is to bring a national championship to LSU,” Baker said.
Baker is in his second stint with LSU. He spent the 2021 season as the Tigers’ linebackers coach before leaving for Missouri, where he became the defensive coordinator.
He returned to LSU following a disastrous season on defense in 2023 and has helped steadily improve the defense.
In 2024, LSU ranked 59th nationally in total defense and 11th in the SEC. Last season, the Tigers climbed to 27th nationally and sixth in the conference.
Now, Baker believes he has the personnel to take another step forward.
The Tigers have plenty of experienced players, including linebacker Whit Weeks, safety Ty Benefield, safety Tamarcus Cooley, cornerback PJ Woodland, linebacker T.J. Dottery, edge rushers Jordan Ross and Princewill Umanmielen and Dashawn Spears, who is expected to play the Star position.
But Baker is also excited about three highly rated freshmen defensive linemen — Deuce Geralds, Richard Anderson and Lamar Brown.
Baker said the trio is as talented as any group of freshmen he has coached.
“Those guys are repping with the ones and the twos, so they are getting a full install,” Baker said. “There’s been growing pains. We are going to have to fight through the freshman wall at some point. I think all three of them are doing a good job fighting it now.
“But I am proud of where they’re at now and where they come from. They work at it, they all love football, they got really, really bright futures, but you’ll see all three of those guys on the field.”
Another young player making a strong impression is redshirt freshman safety Jhase Thomas, who reportedly worked with the first-team defense during Saturday’s scrimmage inside Tiger Stadium.
Before that scrimmage, Baker called Thomas one of the biggest surprises of fall camp.
Thomas’ emergence does not mean Cooley is headed for a reduced role.
Cooley started 13 games last season and recorded 70 tackles. Baker said the veteran safety has continued to perform at a high level.
“He’s picked up right where he left off,” Baker said.
Baker is also encouraged by the depth developing behind Benefield, Cooley and Thomas.
Faheem Delane, a transfer from Ohio State and the younger brother of former LSU standout cornerback Mansoor Delane, has made a strong impression during camp.
LSU has made significant strides defensively during Baker’s first two seasons back in Baton Rouge. If the Tigers can continue that progress and pair a strong defense with Kiffin’s offense, Baker could have a chance at that national championship.
