Less than a year into job, Mizzou Tigers defensive coordinator earns contract extension
Missouri defensive coordinator Blake Baker has received a contract extension through the 2025 season, the school announced Thursday.
Baker is in his first year as the Tigers’ defensive coordinator. He was hired in January from LSU to coach the MU safeties but was elevated to the coordinator’s position when Steve Wilks took a job with the Carolina Panthers. Wilks is now the Panthers’ interim head coach.
Missouri’s defensive improvement this year has been dramatic. The Tigers ranked 106th in total defense last year; heading into Saturday’s home game against Kentucky, Mizzou now ranks 19th, surrendering 310 yards per game.
“We’re really excited about not only Blake but the rest of our defensive staff,” Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz said. “He has done a really good job utilizing our scheme and playing well together and making some great calls at the right times.
“I appreciate our administration and our athletic department and Board of Curators for investing in our program and we are looking forward to Coach Baker being our defensive coordinator for a long time.”
Baker, 40, was previously the defensive coordinator for Louisiana Tech and Miami.
“I am honored by the trust Coach Drinkwitz has placed in me and I look forward to continuing to contribute to making our team better,” Baker said. “Make no mistake about it, this is a reflection of the hard work of our defensive staff and most importantly, our players.
“We have a resilient group, and it doesn’t matter where the ball is put down, they step up and play hard. My family and I love Columbia and we look forward to the years ahead.”