LSU head coach Ed Orgeron said days ago that he wanted to fill out the defensive coaching staff by “next Tuesday” and he’s on his way to doing just that.
Soon after hiring Daronte Jones at defensive coordinator, LSU is reportedly finalizing a deal with Miami Hurricanes defensive coordinator Blake Baker to become the team’s linebackers coach, according to Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger.
According to the report, Baker’s responsibilities in Baton Rouge could extend beyond just the linebackers room.
#LSU is finalizing a deal to hire Miami DC Blake Baker to join the staff to coach linebackers, sources tell @SINow.
Baker, a former Tulane linebacker, has stops at Texas as a GA and Louisiana Tech as DC.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 28, 2021
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Over a pair of seasons in Miami at his current position, the Hurricanes have ranked No. 23 and No. 51 in defense. If he can bring a similar or better situation to LSU, the Tigers should be set to be in good shape after last year’s lackluster performance under Bo Pelini.
Orgeron has a player-first mentality in all the moves he’s made as the Tigers aim to return to their former glory.
“When I look at a candidate, I want to see how the players are going to feel,” he said. “Number one. Is he going to be able to connect to the players. That’s one of the most important things as a coach.”
Among LSU’s other recent hires are offensive coordinator Jake Peetz and passing game coordinator DJ Mangas.
LSU is still looking to fill a position at defensive line coach, and it will be interesting to see how that shakes out.
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