Lane Kiffin Named LSU Head Coach, Eyes Retaining Blake Baker

LSU football enters a new era under Lane Kiffin, who replaces Brian Kelly following his dismissal during the 2025 season. Kiffin, who most recently led Ole Miss to an 11-1 regular season, inherits a program seeking to return to national championship contention.

One of Kiffin’s early decisions will be staffing the defensive side of the ball. Sources report that defensive coordinator Blake Baker is a strong candidate to be retained, offering continuity as Kiffin builds his new staff. LSU’s defense struggled in 2025, finishing the season with a 7-5 record, but Baker’s knowledge of the roster could ease the transition.

Kiffin brings a proven track record at the Power Five level, including head coaching stints at USC, Tennessee, and Ole Miss. At Ole Miss, he orchestrated a turnaround that has the Rebels likely headed to the College Football Playoff, showcasing his ability to maximize talent and quickly impact a program.

With national championship aspirations in mind, Kiffin now faces the challenge of restoring LSU’s prominence in the SEC. The Tigers have not won a title since Ed Orgeron’s 2019 campaign, and Kiffin’s hiring signals the school’s commitment to competing at the highest level.

1. Coaching Transition and Staff Considerations

Kiffin’s arrival marks a clear shift in LSU’s football operations. Unlike some head coaches, he will not bring his entire Ole Miss staff with him, leaving room to evaluate and retain existing talent. Blake Baker, LSU’s defensive coordinator, is reportedly under strong consideration to remain in his position. Retaining Baker would provide defensive continuity and help bridge the gap between the outgoing and incoming coaching philosophies. Kiffin must assemble a coaching staff capable of developing players and executing a system that matches his offensive expertise. The defensive coordinator role is particularly critical as the Tigers aim to compete with elite SEC offenses. This transitional period allows Kiffin to assess current staff strengths while recruiting additional coaches who align with his vision for the program. Strategic retention and hires will be key to establishing immediate stability and long-term success.

2. Kiffin’s Track Record and Coaching Philosophy

Lane Kiffin has led multiple Power Five programs, including USC, Tennessee, and Ole Miss, earning a reputation as an innovative offensive mind with a track record of building winning teams. His success at Ole Miss, culminating in an 11-1 regular season in 2025, demonstrates his ability to quickly turn around a program. Kiffin is known for developing high-powered offenses and adapting his schemes to maximize player talent. His experience in the SEC provides insight into the competitive environment LSU faces, from recruiting battles to high-stakes conference matchups. Recruiting will be a top priority for Kiffin, particularly in Louisiana, which remains a rich talent pool. His staff will focus on securing top-tier student-athletes locally while also extending national recruiting reach. Additionally, Kiffin brings leadership experience that balances program culture with on-field performance, aiming to foster a winning mentality while maintaining accountability across all levels of the roster.

3. LSU’s Goals and Expectations

LSU’s leadership has high expectations for immediate results. Director of Athletics Verge Ausberry emphasized the school’s commitment to securing “the best coach in the country,” reflecting the program’s urgency to return to championship contention. Kiffin inherits a team that will participate in a bowl game following a 7-5 season, but the ultimate goal is a College Football Playoff berth. Elevating LSU back to national prominence requires not only offensive innovation but also defensive improvement and roster optimization. The potential retention of Baker signals an approach that values both continuity and adaptability. Pairing Kiffin’s offensive expertise with a familiar defensive presence could provide the foundation for a rapid turnaround. Looking ahead, Kiffin’s challenge will be integrating his system, assembling a high-performing staff, and recruiting elite talent to compete at the highest level in the SEC and nationally. LSU fans expect a championship trajectory, and Kiffin’s experience positions him to deliver on that promise.