LSU Football News
LSU Upgrades Defensive with Coach Signings
by Milton Manningham/ LSU Football Contributor
LSU Football is making waves in the college football world with the groundbreaking addition of Bo Davis, the esteemed Texas Defensive Line Coach, to its staff. This development, initially reported by Wilson Alexander of The Advocate, is a significant boost for the Tigers. Davis, a former All-SEC nose guard and one of the top defensive line coaches in the country, is set to bring his expertise back to his alma mater.
His return to LSU, announced by Head Coach Brian Kelly, marks a full-circle journey for Davis, who played for the Tigers in the early 1990s and was part of the strength and conditioning staff during LSU’s 2003 national championship win. Davis’s tenure at Texas, especially the past three seasons, has been nothing short of remarkable, leading the Longhorns to the College Football Playoffs in 2023 with a defense that ranked among the nation’s best. His second stint with the Longhorns, following an earlier role as defensive tackles coach, has been instrumental in shaping one of America’s top defensive lines.
Bo Davis’s coaching career, spanning 12 years in college football, is replete with accomplishments. His prowess in developing defensive linemen is unparalleled, having produced 17 all-conference selections and seven all-Americans. Davis’s impact extends beyond individual player development; his coaching has led players to prestigious awards like the Outland Trophy, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year.
This record of success not only underscores his coaching excellence but also promises to inject LSU’s defensive line with the same caliber of talent and performance. The Tigers’ defensive strategy is poised for a significant upgrade with Davis’s arrival, enhancing their prospects in the highly competitive college football arena.
Complementing this strategic hire, LSU has also brought on board Blake Baker, the former Missouri defensive coordinator and safeties coach. Baker, who coached the linebackers at LSU in 2021, returns with a wealth of experience, including stints as the defensive coordinator at Miami and Louisiana Tech. His recent achievements at Missouri, where the defense ranked highly in the SEC in scoring, rushing, and total defense, along with leading the SEC in fumbles forced and ranking 11th in the nation in sacks, attest to his defensive acumen.
The tandem of Davis and Baker at LSU heralds a new era of defensive dominance for the Tigers. With these two astute minds at the helm of the defense, LSU is gearing up not just to compete but to establish itself as a powerhouse in college football’s defensive landscape.