LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker is staying at LSU after agreeing to a three-year, $9.3 million deal that will make him the highest-paid assistant coach in the country next season, according to sources told to The Advocate.

Baker’s salary will start at $3 million next season and will later work up to being $3.2 million in 2028.

This news comes after multiple sources reported that Baker was in line to take the head coaching job at Tulane; however, LSU football head coach Lane Kiffin confirmed late Friday night in a Twitter post stating that it took a lot of time and good conversation with Baker to convince him to remain with the Tigers.

Baker’s presence in the program will be a huge factor for LSU’s defense heading into the 2026 season and with his new contract, he can earn a $300,000 raise and a fourth-year option with a $3.5 million salary if LSU finishes in the top 20 in scoring defense within the next three years.

This past season, Baker took the defense to a whole new level, finishing 15th in the country in scoring defense by only allowing 18.3 points per game.