Kiffin Praises Retained Baker as DC

Kiffin noted that Baker, who joined LSU in 2024, has significantly improved the unit. The defense ranked No. 12 in SP+ in 2025, a remarkable achievement given the program's recent history. 'I was very pleased that we were able to keep him,' Kiffin said.

The retention provided crucial continuity as LSU signed the No. 1-ranked transfer portal class. Despite head coaching interest from Tulane, Baker extended his contract with the Tigers, and Kiffin now aims to elevate the defense to an elite physical, dominant level.