The LSU Tigers' defensive staff will remain mostly the same as it was last year, with the only change being an upgrade. This is a massive win for Lane Kiffin, as it looked like a complete overhaul was coming as recently as Friday afternoon.
Once news came of defensive coordinator Blake Baker passing on the Tulane Green Wave job came late on Friday, there was a massive sense of relief in Baton Rouge. No threat of Baker taking assistants/recruits with him, meaning they would have an easier time keeping their talent in-house.
Baker was expected to take the Green Wave job and had also interviewed for the Memphis Tigers job. Instead, he will stay with the Tigers and continue building on a fantastic second year.
He's getting compensated for it, as well, receiving a three-year, $9.3 million extension to stick around, per Wilson Alexander of The Advocate. Tulane likely wasn't offering him much more for the head coach role. Now, Baker doesn't need to move, and he has less responsibility.
LSU finished the regular season as the No. 15 scoring defense in the nation. They allowed just 18.3 points per game. They only allowed more than 30 points twice. Once was 31 points to an elite Vanderbilt Commodores squad and 49 points in the loss to the Texas A&M Aggies where team morale was shot and Brian Kelly got fired after.
They held eight opponents to 20 points or less, including two teams that should be competing in the College Football Playoff.
Getting back the position coaches that he is will also play a huge role in the success of this defense and has already paid off before the early signing period ended.
On Saturday morning, CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz reported that the following coaches are returning: defensive backs coach Corey Raymond, edge rushers coach Kevin Peoples and safeties coach Jake Olsen. The only major change expected to happen is that Elijah Robinson is being hired to become the new defensive line coach, as also reported by Zenitz.
Current defensive line coach Kyle Williams, a great former Tigers player, is stepping away from coaching. He spent one year on the staff and is now expected to return to retired life.
Robinson spent 2018-2023 as a member of the Texas A&M Aggies staff along the defensive line and was the interim when Jimbo Fisher was fired. He has spent the past two years with the Syracuse Orange as the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator.
This defensive staff combined with Kiffin's offensive staff will result in some very fun football.