John David Baker: Ole Miss| ECU| Wife| Salary| Suspended| Text

Who Is John David Baker?

John David Baker (born September 30, 1990) is an American college-football coach and former quarterback.

• Playing career: He played college football at Abilene Christian Wildcats from 2009-2013. In his senior season (2013), he completed 247-of-369 passes for 3,376 yards and 35 touchdowns — a school record combined with 5 total TDs rushing. 

• After college, he played indoor professional football with Amarillo Venom (Lone Star Football League / Champions Indoor Football) from 2014-2015.

• Coaching career: He began as a graduate assistant at Abilene Christian (2014–2015), then moved to North Texas Mean Green (offensive quality control, 2016–2018), then to USC Trojans (quality control 2019, tight ends coach 2020).

Ole Miss — Rise Through the Ranks

• In January 2021, Baker joined Ole Miss Rebels as Passing Game Coordinator and Tight Ends coach. 

• For the 2022-2023 seasons, he was promoted to co-Offensive Coordinator / Tight Ends coach. 

• Under his guidance, Ole Miss posted some of its best offensive seasons — the 2022 rushing attack set a school record (3,336 yards), and the overall offense ranked among the program’s top five all-time in total offense. 

His tenure at Ole Miss showcased his ability to help craft high-powered offenses and develop passing games.

Move to East Carolina (ECU)

• On December 2, 2023, Baker left Ole Miss to become Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks coach at East Carolina Pirates (ECU). 

• At ECU, in his first season (2024), his offense ranked among the FBS leaders in multiple categories: top-30 in total offense per game, 3rd-down conversion rate, passing offense, and passing yards per completion. 

• The 2024 season saw ECU finish 8-5 (5-3 in AAC), including a win in the Go Bowling Military Bowl over NC State.

This move allowed Baker to run his own offense — a natural progression after developing under prominent programs.

Salary & Contract History

Available public sources offer the following snapshot of Baker’s compensation over the years:

*Note: Total pay may include bonuses as defined by respective school agreements.

Although assistant-coach salaries vary widely depending on role, team success, bonuses, and institutional revenue, this gives a rough idea of Baker’s earnings trajectory as he climbed coaching ranks.

Personal: Family and Private Life

According to ECU’s official bio, Baker is married and has a daughter named Ella.

Beyond those basic details, there is very limited public information about his personal life — consistent with the privacy often maintained by college coaching staff.

Suspension Claims — What’s the Reality?

There are some recent online claims that “John David Baker has been suspended indefinitely,” referencing alleged “leaked DMs.”

But: I found no credible, verifiable reporting from established sports-media outlets (e.g. ESPN, 247Sports, CBS, On3) confirming any suspension of Baker as of this date.

• The widely referenced article from 247Sports that discusses Baker’s potential job interest does not mention any disciplinary action or suspension.

• ECU’s official staff directory as of late 2025 still lists him as Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks coach.

• The claimed “leaked DMs” source seems to come from social media/unverified reports, which are not reliable on their own especially in absence of mainstream confirmation.

Conclusion on Suspension- Rumor: Unverified. Until major sports media or the institution confirm, the “suspended” claim should be treated as speculation or rumor.

Latest Update: Return to Ole Miss?

As of December 9, 2025, there are reports that Baker is “expected to return to Ole Miss as Offensive Coordinator,” under the new head coach Pete Golding.

• The move is seen as bringing continuity and familiarity with prior offensive schemes at Ole Miss.

• That would mark a return to Oxford — closing the circle from his earlier stint (2021–2023) with the Rebels.

This potential hire suggests trust in his proven track record and a belief he can lead the offense effectively again.

Why John David Baker Matters — and What to Watch

• Young, ascending coach: Born in 1990, Baker is part of a new generation of coaches who achieved coordinator status early.

• Offensive track record: With successful stints at major programs (Ole Miss, USC) and now ECU, he has shown ability to produce high-powered offenses.

• Flexibility & upward mobility: His career demonstrates steady upward movement — from GA to quality control analyst, TE coach, co-OC, OC/QB coach — showing ambition and adaptability.

• Current spotlight: With rumors of returning to Ole Miss as OC in 2025, Baker’s career is again at a pivotal moment.