LSU first-year linebackers coach Blake Baker confirmed an earlier media report that he would not be back next season and be a part of new head Brian Kelly’s staff.
The 39-year-old Baker, a native of Houston, confirmed a report by Jacques Doucet of WAFB-TV9 with a heartfelt post on Twitter Saturday evening.
“Forever grateful for our time here in Baton Rouge,” Baker wrote. “The opportunity to coach here was a dream come true. LSU will always be a special place for me and my family for so many reasons. We can’t say ‘thank you’ enough to all the people that played in part in making our experience such a memorable one. To the guys in the locker room, I will always cherish and appreciate the relationships we have built. Saying goodbye to ya’ll is always the hardest.”
Baker joined the staff of former LSU head coach Ed Orgeron as linebackers coach for this season after serving for six years as a defensive coordinator at both Miami and Louisiana Tech.
He was widely credited for the development of LSU senior linebacker Damone Clark into the team’s unquestioned leader and leading tackler with 135 total stops. He was named second team All-American by both the Sporting News and Walter Camp.
Clark released the following on his Twitter account:
“Blessed that God allowed us to cross paths and build a relationship that will last forever! Believed in me when others counted me out and helped me get where I am today. To the coolest and realist coach I simply say THANK YOU!”
Baker became the fifth coach from Orgeron’s staff not to be retained by Kelly, who was introduced Nov. 30 at LSU’s new coach. Also let go from the previous staff was passing game coordinator DJ Mangas, running backs coach Kevin Faulk, wide receivers coach Kerry Joseph and defensive backs coach Corey Raymond.
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