Report: Blake Baker contract worth three years, $9.3 million to stay at LSU

LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker is set to become one of the highest-paid assistant coaches in the sport after turning down interest from other programs. He has reportedly agreed to a new deal to stay in Baton Rouge under new coach Lane Kiffin, according to a report from The Advocate.

Baker is set to ink a three-year, $9.3 million deal, per the The Advocate. His salary will begin at $3 million next season and will rise every year until he hits $3.2 million in 2028.

But there’s more. Blake Baker also has some healthy incentives built into the contract.

The Advocate reports that Baker could earn a $300,000 raise and a fourth-year option with a salary of $3.5 million if LSU finishes in the top 20 in scoring defense in any of his first three years.

Blake Baker reportedly had interest from Tulane for its open head coaching position. He is a Tulane alumnus and was reportedly in the thick of things for that job. Baker also reportedly had interest from Memphis.

But maintaining one of the nation’s hottest defensive coordinators was key for Kiffin, who watched Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding take the head coaching job in Oxford after his departure. Baker has done wonders with the LSU defense, ranking 15th nationally in scoring defense this season by allowing just 18.3 points per game.

Blake Baker agrees to stay at LSU

Blake Baker is staying at LSU to serve as Lane Kiffin’s defensive coordinator, sources told On3’s Chris Low. He was the top target at Tulane to replace Jon Sumrall as the Green Wave’s head coach.

Baker just finished his second season as LSU’s defensive coordinator after arriving in Baton Rouge in 2023. He became the highest-paid assistant coach in college football when he arrived from Missouri, making $2.5 million per year.

Kiffin confirmed the news via social media Friday night. He said discussions about keeping Baker at LSU were part of the reason he did not go to Atlanta for his scheduled interview on College GameDay.

“Sorry couldn’t make it to Atlanta, but so excited that I stayed to finish this all up!!” Kiffin wrote on X. “@CoachBlakeBaker is going nowhere!!!! What a really long amazing Friday for @LSUfootball. #ItsDifferent”

On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this report.