There was a theme to Brian Kelly’s signings this offseason. Several hired coaches were returning to LSU for their second or third stints in Baton Rouge. In the case of the new defensive coordinator [autotag]Blake Baker[/autotag]he’s back for his second round after serving as LSU’s linebackers coach in 2021.
That meant saying goodbye to Missouri, where Baker worked as defensive coordinator before his return. Last week, Baker discussed what brought him back to LSU.
“It was bittersweet. I knew this was my home. I knew this was my family’s home. But at the same time, I enjoyed my time at Missouri. Coach Drinkwitz and the staff, very close to the players there. Obviously, anytime you’re in the throes of a Cotton Bowl championship, that always makes it more difficult,” Baker said.
Baker said he told Eli Drinkwitz, in an effort to be transparent, that if LSU called, he would listen. And after Baker’s strong 2023 campaign, LSU came calling.
Baker said he was honest throughout the process, but knew LSU was best for his family.
Having a defensive coordinator with that commitment to Louisiana is good for LSU. That means he won’t go looking for a side title elsewhere. There’s always a chance a head coaching opportunity could arise, but outside of that, Baker could be with LSU for a long time.
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This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Blake Baker on what led him to leave Missouri and return to LSU
