Lane Kiffin's first week on the job as the head coach at LSU has come with plenty of moving parts. Kiffin is still assembling his coaching staff while navigating the Early Signing Period for 2026 recruits, which began on Wednesday.
LSU football overcomes late drama to sign 5-star DL for Lane Kiffin
As Kiffin continues shaping his recruiting class and coaching staff, defensive coordinator Blake Baker could have one foot out the door. According to WDSU in New Orleans, Baker is nearing a deal to become the next head coach at Tulane.
Blake Baker seems to be the favorite to land the Tulane head coaching job
Earlier this week, Guerry Smith of The Times-Picayune and New Orleans Advocate confirmed that Baker was in New Orleans on Monday to interview for Tulane's head coaching position. The interview appears to have gone well, as Fletcher Mackel of WDSU reported on Thursday that "all signs point toward LSU defensive coordinator becoming the next Tulane coach."
Sources tell WDSU that all signs point toward LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker becoming the next Tulane head coach.
— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherWDSU) December 4, 2025
Baker is a former Green Wave player.
A deal is NOT done but could be finalized tonight or Friday with news release on Saturday and introduction Monday/Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/F8F2fmJNmB
Baker has strong ties to Tulane, as he played for the Green Wave as a linebacker from 2000-04 before entering the coaching ranks in 2009. He's also quite familiar with recruiting the state of Louisiana, as he's held coaching positions at both Louisiana Tech and LSU.
Baker first came to Baton Rouge in 2021 as the linebackers coach before leaving for Missouri to be the defensive coordinator from 2022-23. He returned to LSU in December 2024, when he received a contract worth $2.5 million per year to serve as LSU's defensive coordinator, making him the highest-paid assistant coach in the country at the time.
Losing Baker would be a tough blow for Kiffin as he continues putting together his first coaching staff in Baton Rouge. Kiffin is trying to retain Baker on his staff, but the appeal of becoming a head coach at his alma mater may be too enticing to pass up for Baker. However, Kiffin seems to have a strong backup plan in place if Baker does indeed leave for Uptown New Orleans.
LSU eyeing splash hire if Blake Baker leaves for Tulane
According to Zack Nagy of Sports Illustrated, LSU is eyeing a splash hire on defense if Baker lands a head coaching job. More specifically, Nagy reports that LSU is focusing on former Syracuse defensive coordinator Elijah Robinson.
News: #LSU is eyeing a splash hire on defense in former Syracuse defensive coordinator Elijah Robinson.
— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) December 5, 2025
Robinson served as the Orange’s DC but recently received a new title as the DL coach/co-DC.
Lane Kiffin would add him to work with the defensive line, per @FootballScoop. pic.twitter.com/knPwEkNSnJ
Robinson has spent the last two seasons as Syracuse's defensive coordinator and play-caller. However, he has seen his role get diminished, as head coach Fran Brown announced this week that Robinson's defensive play-calling duties have been revoked. Furthermore, Brown stated that Robinson will transition to Syracuse's co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach.
Robinson previously spent time at Texas A&M, and served as the interim head coach for the Aggies when Jimbo Fisher was fired in 2023. He's also held coaching positions at Penn State, Temple, and Baylor.
Given his recent demotion, Robinson could be looking for a new opportunity. Kiffin seems interested, and if Baker decides to move on, Robinson could be the ideal replacement.