Missouri expected to promote from within for defensive coordinator job

Missouri is set to promote from within to fill its defensive coordinator opening.

The Tigers are expected to name Blake Baker as their new defensive coordinator, sources tell On3.

Baker, who had been hired as Missouri’s safeties coach in late January, will replace Steve Wilks, who recently left for an assistant coach in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers.

Baker, 39, was previously a defensive coordinator at Miami (2019-20) and Louisiana Tech (2014-18). He was LSU’s linebackers coach last season.

Under Wilks, Missouri ranked 106th nationally in total defense last season.