Full Breakdown
Tulane Green Wave Poised to Hire Blake Baker as Head Football Coach
12/5/2025, 5:37:01 PM
Transition Following Jon Sumrall's Departure
Tulane University is reportedly set to hire Blake Baker, the current defensive coordinator at Louisiana State University (LSU), as its new head football coach. This anticipated move comes shortly after Jon Sumrall accepted the head coaching position at the University of Florida. Sumrall, who led Tulane to a successful 10-2 regular season and consecutive championship-game appearances, will remain with the team through the American Athletic Conference (AAC) title game against North Texas. Baker, a Tulane alumnus and standout linebacker from 2000 to 2004, emerged as the frontrunner for the position following a formal interview earlier this week.
Baker's Coaching Background
Blake Baker, 43, has been recognized for his defensive prowess, guiding LSU to a No. 25 national ranking in total defense this season. He has previously served as the defensive coordinator at Missouri and held various roles at Miami, Louisiana Tech, and Arkansas State. Baker's coaching career includes a notable tenure at LSU, where he was instrumental in developing players like Damone Clark, a Butkus Award finalist. His current contract at LSU reportedly makes him one of the highest-paid assistants in college football, earning $2.5 million annually.
The Hiring Process
Sources indicate that a deal to finalize Baker's hiring could occur as soon as Thursday evening, although an official announcement may be delayed until after the AAC championship game. Tulane athletic director David Harris has emphasized that head coaching experience is not a strict requirement, reflecting the program's recent success under Sumrall. Baker's familiarity with the Tulane program and his local ties have made him a compelling candidate amid a competitive coaching landscape.
Betting Odds and Market Interest
As the coaching carousel spins, Baker has emerged as the favorite in betting markets to take over at Tulane, with odds placing him at +200. Other potential candidates include former Florida coach Billy Napier and Southern Mississippi's Charles Huff, who are positioned at +300 and +400, respectively. The Green Wave's strong performance this season has attracted interest from various coaching prospects, highlighting the program's appeal to both Power-5 hopefuls and regional candidates.
Official Statements & Responses
While no formal statements have been released regarding Baker's potential hiring, sources close to the situation have indicated that all signs point toward his appointment as head coach. Baker's impressive track record at LSU has garnered attention, and his potential return to Tulane is viewed positively by many within the program.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the positive outlook, some critics question the decision to prioritize a candidate without previous head coaching experience. The debate centers around whether Tulane should seek a more established coach to build on its recent successes or embrace a familiar face with local ties.
What's Next
As Tulane prepares for its championship game, the focus will shift to finalizing Baker's hiring and the subsequent restructuring of the coaching staff at LSU, which will need to find a replacement for Baker. The outcome of the AAC title game may also influence the timeline for Baker's official introduction as the new head coach of the Green Wave.
