Tennessee football: Vols offer defensive coordinator job to LSU assistant

Josh Heupel, Tennessee Volunteers. (Caitie McLekin/Knoxville News Sentinel via AP, Pool)
Josh Heupel, Tennessee Volunteers. (Caitie McLekin/Knoxville News Sentinel via AP, Pool) /
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It looks like the Tennessee football coaching staff is coming together with Josh Heupel offering the defensive coordinator job to LSU assistant Blake Baker.

There has been much to do about how new Tennessee football head coach Josh Heupel is putting together his coaching staff. Heupel comes to Knoxville after being hired by new Vol athletic director Danny White brought him in from UCF. White and Heupel have a history as White also hired Heupel for the same position at UCF.

Heupel’s hiring received mixed reviews. Former players campaigned for Tee Martin, even suggesting that race played a factor in the hiring process while Vols players tweeted out their support for their new coach.

Now it looks like Heupel is snooping around the SEC to fill out his coaching staff. Jimmy Hyams reports the Vols have offered the job to former Miami assistant Blake Baker who joined LSU earlier this offseason.

Tennessee football has reportedly offered LSU assistant their DC job

There hadn’t been much clarity on the direction that Heupel plans to take the Volunteer defense until now. Speculation around names had been minimal until Ohio State’s linebackers coach Al Washington‘s name got tossed into the mix on Tuesday.

Baker was going to have a reduced role with the Hurricanes this year which led to his move to LSU. Now, he could get a promotion if he takes the offer from the Vols. It’s been a heck of a few weeks for Baker.

Baker just got to LSU this offseason after spending the 2020 season as defensive coordinator at Miami on Manny Diaz’s staff. It’s interesting to note though that Diaz had planned on relieving Baker of his defensive playcalling duties prior to his departure for LSU.

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