The LSU Coaching Search: Names to Know as Brian Kelly Looks for Change

LSU head coach Brian Kelly parted ways with his entire on-field defensive staff on Wednesday after an abysmal 2023 season on that side of the ball.

Now, it's full steam ahead in order to revamp the coaching staff with names emerging rather quickly. 

It's been 24 hours since Kelly and LSU announced the decision to fire his staff, but coaches are trending already.

Three Names to Know:

Blake Baker: Missouri Defensive Coordinator

On Wednesday night, reports surfaced that Baker had emerged as the leading candidate for the LSU defensive coordinator vacancy. A coach with ties to Louisiana, as well as LSU, it's clear Kelly and Co. are already pursing the current Missouri DC.

LSU has been in contact with Baker as they navigate the coaching search, but there is certainly much to like about the lead candidate. 

In his two seasons with Missouri, the Tigers finished the season with the No. 34 total defense in both 2022 and 2023, allowing 341 and 336 yards per game, respectively.

Paving the way for Missouri to make a New Year's Six Bowl, he's emerged as a name on the national scene.

The other key factors? Baker played his college ball at Tulane and his wife is from Louisiana, who just so happened to be an All-SEC soccer player at LSU.

There is significant intrigue with Baker when it comes to the defensive coordinator vacancy with this program already pursuing the coveted assistant coach.