LSU pays big money for new defensive coordinator

Oct 19, 2013; Oxford, MS, USA; LSU Tigers helmet during the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi Rebels defeat the LSU Tigers 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

LSU has hired a new defensive coordinator, and they’re paying big money for him.

LSU on Friday hired Blake Baker as their new defensive coordinator. The Tigers are paying Baker $2.5 million per year on a three-year deal.

Source: #LSU signed Blake Baker to a three-year contract worth $2.5 million per year.https://t.co/hYM6Tfa9XW

— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) January 6, 2024

The hiring of Baker comes two days after LSU let go defensive coordinator Matt House, who was on the job for two years. The program also fired three other assistants this week.

Baker will be making his return to LSU after coaching linebackers for the program in 2021. Baker was not retained by Brian Kelly when the former Notre Dame coach took over at LSU. Baker was initially hired as a safeties coach at Missouri but got promoted to defensive coordinator when Steve Wilks left for the NFL.

Missouri went 11-2 this season and allowed 20.8 points per game (26th of 133). LSU had its second straight 10-win season under Kelly this year, but their defense allowed 28.0 points per game (82nd of 133).