Corey Raymond is set to make a triumphant return to LSU, taking on the role of defensive backs coach for the Tigers in Baton Rouge. The deal is currently being finalized, and while it is expected that he will primarily handle responsibilities with the cornerbacks, the exact title is still in the works, according to sources close to LSU Country.
Renowned as a key figure in establishing the “DBU” tradition in Baton Rouge, Raymond is embarking on his second stint with the Bayou Bengals. He previously spent an impressive 10 seasons with LSU before the arrival of Brian Kelly in 2022. Following his time with LSU, Raymond coached the defensive backs at Florida for two seasons under Billy Napier before parting ways with the program.
During his tenure at LSU, Raymond’s expertise in coaching the secondary led to the production of seven First-Team All-Americans, including notable names such as Eric Reid (2012), Jalen Mills (2015), Jamal Adams (2016), Tre’Davious White (2016), Greedy Williams (2018), Grant Delpit (2018 and 2019), and Derek Stingley Jr. (2019, 2020).
This marks another significant addition to Brian Kelly’s defensive coaching staff, adding to the notable hires made over the past two weeks.
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Raymond’s impact extended beyond shaping future professional players; he also successfully recruited top-notch defensive back talent from high school ranks. This aspect has been notably absent since his departure.
The Hires
Blake Baker: Defensive Coordinator
Blake Baker is set to join the LSU coaching staff, taking on the role after serving as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Missouri for the past two seasons. In 2021, Baker was responsible for coaching the linebackers at LSU. His coaching career includes stints as the defensive coordinator at Miami (Fla.) in 2019-20 and at Louisiana Tech from 2015-2018, accumulating eight years of defensive coordinator experience.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the addition, LSU head coach Brian Kelly praised Baker’s extensive experience and success as a defensive coordinator. Kelly highlighted Baker’s ability to develop and motivate players, as well as his track record of building highly successful defenses.
Baker’s impact was evident in the 2023 season at Missouri, where his defense played a crucial role in the team’s impressive 11-2 overall record. The season concluded with a notable 14-3 victory over No. 7 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. Missouri’s 11 wins marked a significant achievement for the school, representing the highest win total in nearly a decade. Particularly noteworthy was the defense’s performance in the victory over Ohio State, holding the Buckeyes without a touchdown for the first time since the 2016 season.
BREAKING: #LSU is finalizing a deal to bring Corey Raymond back to Baton Rouge.
Raymond, one of the architects of "DBU", is headed back to coach for the Tigers.https://t.co/GSVxHUAMCd pic.twitter.com/MDsUm2e5Kk
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) January 16, 2024
Bo Davis: Defensive Line
Bo Davis is set to join the LSU coaching staff, marking his return to the university after spending the past three seasons at Texas. During his tenure with the Longhorns, Davis played a crucial role in helping the team reach the College Football Playoffs in 2023, boasting one of the nation’s top defenses. His association with Texas spanned six years, initially serving as the defensive tackles coach from 2011-2013 and later as the defensive line coach from 2021-2023.
Having played for the Tigers in the early 1990s, Davis has a longstanding history with LSU. He previously served as a graduate assistant with the football program from 1995-1997 and was a member of the strength and conditioning staff when LSU secured the national championship in 2003.
Returning to LSU with an impressive track record, Davis is known for developing some of the top defensive linemen in college football. Over his 12 years of coaching the defensive line, he has produced 17 all-conference selections and seven all-Americans. His coaching prowess has led players to win prestigious awards such as the Outland Trophy, the Defensive Player of the Year in the Big 12 and Conference USA, and the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year.
Expressing excitement about the addition, LSU head coach Brian Kelly highlighted Davis’s proven success both at the professional and collegiate levels. Kelly also praised Davis as an outstanding recruiter and developer of players, emphasizing his wealth of experience and distinguished career. Davis brings three national championships to LSU, having won titles in 2003 with LSU and in 2009 and 2015 as the defensive line coach for Alabama.
Since Raymond was not retained by Brian Kelly, LSU has not secured commitments from any five-star corner or five-star safety.
Following his departure from LSU, Raymond spent the last two seasons with the Florida Gators. However, he was let go by Billy Napier in November. Notably, both Raymond and Blake Baker were not retained by Brian Kelly when he assumed the head coaching role in 2021. Despite these changes, both individuals are now back on the coaching staff at LSU.
Kevin Peoples: Defensive Line
Brian Kelly and his coaching team are set to bring in Missouri defensive line coach Kevin Peoples to Baton Rouge as a defensive assistant, according to a report by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Following the hiring of Missouri defensive coordinator Blake Baker by LSU, the focus shifted to completing the defensive coaching staff, with Bo Davis already secured as the defensive line coach.
The addition of Peoples further enhances the defensive coaching lineup that Kelly is building, solidifying an elite-level staff. It is anticipated that Peoples will concentrate on coaching the defensive ends/EDGE rushers.
What makes this addition particularly promising is Peoples’ existing working relationship with the newly appointed defensive coordinator, Blake Baker. The synergy between the two coaches, combined with Peoples’ four years of experience as Tulane’s defensive line coach, positions him well to contribute effectively to the defensive strategy.
Known for his expertise in developing EDGE rushers, Peoples is expected to form a dynamic coaching tandem with Bo Davis, bringing valuable skills and experience to the LSU defensive unit. This move reflects Kelly’s commitment to assembling a high-caliber coaching staff to bolster LSU’s defensive capabilities.