Blake Baker on what led him to leave Missouri and return to LSU

There was a theme to Brian Kelly’s hires this offseason. Several coaches brought on were returning to LSU for their second or third stint in Baton Rouge. In the case of new defensive coordinator Blake Baker, he’s back for his second go-round after serving as LSU’s linebackers coach in 2021.

That meant saying goodbye to Missouri, where Baker worked as the defensive coordinator prior to his return. Last week, Baker discussed what led him back to LSU.

“It was bittersweet. I knew this was home. I knew this was my family’s home. But at the same time, I enjoyed my time in Missouri. Coach Drinkwitz and the staff, really close with the players up there. Obviously, anytime you’re riding the high of a Cotton Bowl championship, it always makes it more difficult,” Baker said.

Baker said that he told Eli Drinkwitz, in an effort to be transparent, that if LSU called, he was going to listen. And after Baker’s strong 2023 campaign, LSU did call.

Baker said he was honest throughout the entire process, but knew LSU is what was best for his family.

Having a defensive coordinator with this commitment to Louisiana is good for LSU. It means he won’t be leaving for a lateral title elsewhere. There’s always a chance a head coaching opportunity comes, but outside of that, Baker could be with LSU for the long haul.

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