Introduction
In the whirlwind world of college football, few names have risen as swiftly — and as quietly — as Blake Baker. From linebacker at Tulane Green Wave to defensive coordinator at LSU Tigers, Baker’s journey underscores hard work, steady progression, and a rising reputation. As of late 2025, Baker is drawing serious interest from his alma mater Tulane for its head coaching vacancy, marking another pivotal moment in his evolving career. This article dives deep into Baker’s background, coaching philosophy, recent news, and what the future might hold.
Early Life & Playing Career: Tulane Days
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Blake Baker played college football at Tulane from 2000–2004 as a linebacker.
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Over his Tulane career, he appeared in 42 games, racking up 145 tackles, with 14 tackles for loss and six sacks.
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Before that, Baker attended Clear Lake High School — a three-year letterman as linebacker, fullback, and defensive tackle — and in his senior year earned district defensive MVP honors.
Baker’s time as a player laid the foundation for his defensive instincts. Though he never reached the NFL or played quarterback (note: some confusion arises because “QB” is in your title, but there’s no public record of Baker playing quarterback), his experience on defense shaped his identity.
Transition to Coaching: From Grad Assistant to Defensive Coordinator
After his playing days ended, Baker transitioned into coaching. His journey:
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Early on, he began as a graduate assistant at Texas Longhorns (2010–2012), working under then-defensive coordinator.
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He then served as safeties coach at Arkansas State Red Wolves in 2013.
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2014 saw a brief stint as director of player personnel at Boise State Broncos, but Baker soon accepted a coaching job at Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
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From 2015 to 2018, he served as Defensive Coordinator and linebackers coach at Louisiana Tech, building a strong defensive unit.
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In 2019–2020, Baker moved on to Miami Hurricanes as defensive coordinator. Under his watch, Miami’s defense produced impressive stats: high rankings in tackles for loss, sacks, total defense, and more.
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Later, he spent time at Missouri Tigers (2022–2023), first as safeties coach, then quickly promoted to Defensive Coordinator.
By the time 2024 rolled around, Baker had accumulated well over a decade of defensive coaching experience — across multiple programs and conferences.
Return to LSU: Defensive Coordinator Role
In January 2024, LSU brought Blake Baker on board as Defensive Coordinator (DC) and linebackers coach.
His arrival at LSU was more than just a staff change — it signaled a renewed commitment to defensive discipline and identity for the Tigers. Reports from LSU’s side highlight that Baker aimed to “instill the defensive traits that have been a hallmark of the program for many years.”
In the 2024 season and beyond, LSU’s defense under Baker showed marked improvement, earning widespread praise and reestablishing defensive credibility.
Recent News: Tulane Head Coach Interest & Future Speculation
Tulane Interview & Potential Move
In late 2025, Baker emerged as a strong candidate for the head coaching vacancy at Tulane — his alma mater. Multiple outlets report that Tulane is “closing in” on hiring him.
Sources suggest that if hired by Tulane, Baker would sign a multi-year deal reportedly worth around USD 4 million annually, along with commitments toward facility upgrades.
If this happens, it would mark Baker’s first head-coach position at the college level — a major step for someone whose name has long been linked with defensive coordination.
LSU’s Response & Coaching Carousel
Meanwhile, at LSU, new head coach Lane Kiffin — who arrived in Baton Rouge recently — is reportedly interested in retaining Baker as DC. The uncertainty around Baker’s future is considered among the biggest early tests for Kiffin’s staff construction.
At the same time, other programs — including Memphis Tigers — have reportedly shown interest in Baker if he becomes available.
Evaluations: What Analysts Say
In a recent feature, analysts highlighted Baker’s “quiet but impressive” resume, pointing out that despite never having been a head coach, his defensive-minded leadership could fit well for a program seeking discipline and structure — like Virginia Tech Hokies.
Despite his relative low profile compared to flashy names, Baker’s steady track record — across multiple schools — makes him a top candidate for any program looking for defensive overhaul.
Salary & Contract (Rumoured / Reported)
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When Baker joined LSU in January 2024, it was reported he signed a three-year contract.
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According to some sources, his salary at LSU was around USD 2.5 million per year, which, at that time, reportedly made him one of the highest-paid assistant coaches in college football.
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If he moves to Tulane as head coach, media outlets report that the deal being discussed could be USD 4 million per year, significantly higher — reflecting the jump from coordinator to head coach.
Personal Life: What We Know (… and What We Don’t)
Public reporting on Blake Baker’s personal life is limited. Many media pieces focus strictly on his professional track. While his public profile has grown, there is no verified information in mainstream sources about his “wife” or family life. A feature article from early 2024 covering his move to LSU doesn’t mention a spouse.
As such, any claims about marital status or spouse identity remain unverified — and should be treated carefully.
Clarifying: Is Blake Baker a QB?
Despite “QB” being in your title, it appears there’s no credible source indicating that Blake Baker ever played quarterback. Instead, his playing career was as a linebacker at Tulane.
His coaching expertise, too, has always centered on defense — linebackers, safeties, defensive coordination — not quarterbacking. Therefore, it seems referencing “QB” in relation to Baker is likely a misunderstanding or confusion with another person.
Why Blake Baker Matters — And What His Rise Signals
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Consistent defensive philosophy: Baker’s track record shows he emphasizes aggressive front-seven play, pressure, and fundamentals. That consistency — from Louisiana Tech to Miami to Missouri to LSU — shows a coach with a clear identity.
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Climbing the ladder methodically: Rather than overnight success, Baker’s career exemplifies gradual but steady growth — from grad assistant to DC, adapting at multiple programs.
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Versatility & adaptability: Baker has worked in different programs, conferences, and contexts, yet delivered results. That makes him attractive for programs looking for a “ready-to-go” defensive leader or future head coach.
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Potential leadership as head coach: With interest from Tulane and possibly other programs, Baker represents a new generation: defensive-first, analytical, and well-rounded.
In short: Blake Baker isn’t just an effective defensive coordinator — he’s arguably one of the smartest rising coaching talents in college football today.
FAQs
Q: Did Blake Baker ever play quarterback (QB)?
A: No. During his college career at Tulane (2000–2004), Baker played as a linebacker, not a quarterback.
Q: Is Blake Baker going to be the head coach at Tulane?
A: As of December 2025, Baker has interviewed for the position and is described as a leading candidate for Tulane’s next head coach. Several sources suggest Tulane is “closing in” on hiring him — but no contract has been publicly confirmed yet.
Q: What is Blake Baker’s salary at LSU, and what might he earn at Tulane?
A: Reports claim that at LSU, Baker’s contract pays around USD 2.5 million/year. If he moves to Tulane as head coach, he may earn around USD 4 million/year, according to media-sourced discussions.
Q: What has been Baker’s impact on LSU’s defense?
A: Since joining LSU as DC in 2024, Baker has led a defensive resurgence. His philosophy — aggressive front play, disciplined coverage — has helped restore defensive credibility and results to the Tigers.
Q: Is Blake Baker already a head coach?
A: No — as of now, he has never served as a head coach at any level.
Conclusion
From a Tulane linebacker to one of college football’s most respected defensive minds, Blake Baker’s rise is a story of consistency, hard work, and thoughtful growth. In 2024, he took charge of LSU’s defense — and delivered results. As 2025 winds down, Baker stands at a career crossroads: remain at LSU under the new coaching regime, or return to his roots at Tulane as head coach.
Whatever he chooses, one thing seems clear: Baker’s name is no longer just another on the roster pages. He’s a major voice in shaping the future of college football defense — and potentially, the future of an entire program.
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