The LSU Tigers general manager’s brilliant pick of Blake Baker and Joe Sloan as their next head coaches
When the LSU Tigers athletic department announced that defensive coordinator Blake Baker and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan would be elevated as co-head coaches, it marked a bold and calculated move by General Manager Scott Woodward—one that may go down as one of the most visionary in modern SEC history.
In an era where coaching searches often prioritize splashy names and marquee hires, LSU chose a different route. By promoting from within, the Tigers didn’t just opt for familiarity—they embraced continuity, culture, and momentum. With the joint appointment of Baker and Sloan, LSU is signaling that its foundation is strong, and its future even brighter.
A Calculated Vision by Scott Woodward
Scott Woodward has never shied away from making big decisions. As the architect behind several high-profile coaching hires—including Brian Kelly from Notre Dame—he’s known for strategic aggression. But this move was different. It wasn’t about poaching a big name; it was about understanding the pulse of the program.
Baker and Sloan had already won over the locker room. Their leadership, chemistry with the players, and deep knowledge of LSU’s system made them natural successors. Rather than risk disrupting the rhythm, Woodward doubled down on the talent already in Baton Rouge.
It wasn’t just a safe choice—it was a smart one.
The Rise of Blake Baker
Blake Baker’s return to LSU as defensive coordinator in 2023 immediately reinvigorated a Tigers defense that had lacked bite. In just one season, he transformed a struggling unit into one of the SEC’s most aggressive and disciplined groups.
Baker’s defensive philosophy is rooted in relentless pressure, opportunism, and fundamentals. His schemes are creative yet disciplined—built to stifle modern spread offenses while maintaining old-school physicality.
Players rave about his ability to connect on and off the field. “Coach Baker doesn’t just coach you—he believes in you,” linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. said last season. “He brings the energy every day. He makes you want to play harder.”
That energy translated into results. LSU’s defense became a top-tier unit in third-down efficiency and red-zone stops. The improvement wasn’t just schematic—it was cultural. Baker inspired belief, discipline, and accountability.
Joe Sloan: The Offensive Architect
While Baker commanded the defense, Joe Sloan orchestrated an offense that became one of the most explosive in college football. As quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, Sloan helped develop Jayden Daniels into a Heisman-caliber dual threat, while maintaining a balanced system that kept defenses guessing.
Sloan’s roots in Louisiana recruiting and his expertise in quarterback development make him one of the most valuable young minds in the sport. His ability to modernize LSU’s passing game while integrating dynamic run concepts gave the Tigers a new offensive identity.
“Coach Sloan is a genius,” Daniels said in a late-season interview. “He sees the game two steps ahead, and he always puts us in a position to succeed.”
Under Sloan’s guidance, LSU ranked top five nationally in total offense and passing yards. Perhaps more impressively, they led the SEC in fewest turnovers—a testament to Sloan’s ability to coach both aggression and poise.
Co-Head Coaching: A Modern Experiment
While rare, co-head coaching models have shown success in the NFL and high school levels—but in college football, it’s practically unheard of. LSU is betting that Baker and Sloan’s chemistry, mutual respect, and complementary strengths will make it work.
The key to this partnership lies in defined roles: Baker will oversee defense, culture, and overall team discipline, while Sloan will manage offense, game planning, and clock strategy. Both will share recruiting responsibilities and weekly press duties.
Early reports indicate that the players are all-in. “We know both these guys,” said wide receiver Malik Nabers. “They know what it takes. And they respect each other—this isn’t about ego, it’s about winning.”
Stability in a Volatile Landscape
In an age of constant turnover—transfer portal chaos, NIL bidding wars, and coaching carousel madness—LSU’s decision brings a rare dose of stability. Continuity is often undervalued in college football, where shiny new hires generate headlines. But programs with long-term staff cohesion—think Georgia, Michigan, and Clemson in their peaks—often thrive over time.
LSU is betting on that model. By promoting coaches who already have deep rapport with players, parents, and Louisiana high school coaches, the Tigers can maintain recruiting momentum and player development without interruption.
This decision also sends a message to recruits: LSU isn’t just building for today—they’re investing in a sustainable future.
Recruiting Implications
Perhaps no area benefits more from this move than recruiting. Baker and Sloan are already deeply entrenched in LSU’s recruiting operation. They’ve built personal relationships across the Gulf South and have a reputation for honesty, clarity, and development.
With Sloan’s quarterback expertise and Baker’s defensive credibility, LSU can pitch a full-circle development experience for both sides of the ball. Quarterbacks and offensive linemen gravitate toward Sloan’s up-tempo system. Defensive backs and linebackers know Baker’s schemes put them in the spotlight.
Together, they bring balance, versatility, and authenticity to the recruiting trail—a rare trifecta.
Locker Room Buy-In
Beyond the Xs and Os, the most important metric of a coaching hire is locker room buy-in. Based on early player responses, LSU hit a home run.
Veterans like Mason Taylor and Maason Smith immediately voiced support on social media, calling the decision “perfect” and “exactly what we needed.” Sources within the program describe the mood as energized—players feel respected, heard, and motivated.
That kind of unity can’t be fabricated. It comes from trust built over time—and it’s a major reason why Woodward felt comfortable bypassing the traditional hiring process.
A New Culture Built on Player Empowerment
Baker and Sloan both believe in empowering their players. Practices are competitive but player-driven. Leadership councils help shape team policies. Veterans are trusted to set standards.
This culture of accountability—rather than fear—is what modern players respond to. Baker calls it “tough love with a purpose.” Sloan preaches “smart aggression.” Together, they’re cultivating a team that plays free but focused.
In a sport trending toward player autonomy, LSU’s culture is ahead of the curve.
National Media Reaction
The national media was caught slightly off guard by the announcement, but quickly warmed to the idea. ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum called the move “a bold but brilliant pivot that fits LSU’s identity.” Former Alabama star Greg McElroy praised Sloan’s offensive innovation, while others likened Baker to a young Kirby Smart in terms of defensive acumen.
This kind of unorthodox decision tends to invite scrutiny—but so far, the reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.
Potential Challenges
Of course, challenges await. Co-head coaching roles must be clearly delineated to avoid conflict. Game-day decisions—especially in close contests—will require unified vision and communication. The media spotlight will dissect every move.
But both Baker and Sloan have worked side by side long enough to know how to complement each other. Sources close to the program say their relationship is built on mutual respect, with zero ego. That’s a rarity—and a huge advantage.
Additionally, Woodward has pledged to provide them with top-tier resources, analysts, and support staff to ensure no aspect of the program is neglected.
The Future in Baton Rouge
With this hire, LSU isn’t just trying to win next season—they’re planting seeds for the next decade. If Baker and Sloan succeed, this could become a blueprint for other programs seeking stability and balance without chasing names.
Their success will depend on results, no doubt. But the early ingredients are there: elite talent, coaching chemistry, cultural continuity, and a passionate fan base ready to support a new chapter.
The LSU Tigers are not rebuilding. They’re reloading—with a modern twist.
The Right Move at the Right Time
In hindsight, the brilliance of LSU’s move may seem obvious. But in the moment, it took courage, foresight, and trust in the people who built the current foundation. Scott Woodward didn’t just pick coaches—he picked culture bearers.
Blake Baker and Joe Sloan aren’t just stepping into the spotlight—they’re stepping into history. And if early signs are any indication, they’re ready to lead LSU to the next era of dominance in Death Valley.
Tiger fans, buckle up. The future has arrived—and it’s wearing purple and gold.
