The LSU Tigers football program is rejoicing after a Friday night surprise report that defensive coordinator Blake Baker is not actually taking the Tulane Green Wave job and is instead staying with the Tigers in his current position.
CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz reported the news first and, shortly after, LSU head coach Lane Kiffin swooped in to confirm it. The fanbase exploded with joy. This is a massive win that few expected to happen.
It appeared all but official that Baker was going to go to the Green Wave. Reports came out of New Orleans that the two sides were closing in on a deal. Press conference preparations were being made, and he was expected to be introduced later in the weekend.
The Tigers never slowed in their approach, though. It was clear from when he was hired that Kiffin wanted to do whatever he can to retain Baker. There was never a backup option revealed, because there might not have been one yet.
Baker came to LSU for his second stint, first as the defensive coordinator, back in 2024. The Tigers defense was awful in 2023. They were ranked No. 82 in the nation in scoring, a far cry for the defenses of old. Now just two years later in 2025 they rank No. 15, allowing just 18.3 points per game.
This news marked a fantastic Friday for the LSU defense after signing four top-65 ranked defensive linemen. Lamar Brown, Richard Anderson, Trenton Henderson and Deuce Geralds all signed with the Tigers in the Early Signing Period and will play for one of the main recruiters.