The Texas Longhorns lost defensive line coach Bo Davis earlier this month, in one of the team’s most significant offseason setbacks. The Horns have finally found their successor, appointing Kenny Baker, a former Miami Dolphins assistant, as their new defensive line coach.
“Kenny came well recommended by people in the field I respect, and I enjoyed speaking with him during the interview process. “He’ll be an excellent addition to our team,” Steve Sarkisian said in a statement. “He checks all of the boxes as a coach, will be an excellent men’s development specialist, and will fit in well with us. We’re thrilled to have Kenny on board and can’t wait!
get him to Austin and get him started.” This season, the Dolphins were one of the best in the NFL at getting after the quarterback, ranking third in the league in sacks with 56, behind only Kansas City (57) and Baltimore (60).
The Dolphins were also one of the best teams in the NFL against the run, ranking seventh in the league and giving up just 97.1 yards per game. “I’m really excited to be working with Coach Sark. He’s accomplished so much in his coaching career, and what he’s done in bringing Texas back and building the culture here is evident,” Baker said. “When he reached out, I couldn’t have been more excited, and it was a no-brainer that I wanted the job. But after getting to know him and his staff, I knew what they had going on here was something I definitely wanted to be a part of… Playing a part in that for the exceptional student-athletes that come to Texas is truly a blessing.”
Before heading to the NFL, Baker spent three seasons with Western Kentucky, where he helped the Hilltoppers make three consecutive bowl games, and helped develop defensive end DeAngelo Malone into the Conference USA Player of the Year and an NFL Draft Pick in 2021-22.
Baker also spent on year at Tennessee Chattanooga in 2019 and was the defensive line coach for Mercer from 2014-2018. He began his coaching career at Gardner-Webb in 2009, where he was a three-year starter during his playing career. Obviously, Baker will have a tall task in front of him as he attempts to replace one of the best defensive line coaches in the sport in Davis. That said, the 37-year-old is also one of the fastest risers in the coaching industry. In other words, his track record shows that he is more than ready for the challenge.
“What an awesome opportunity this is, and I couldn’t be more excited,” Baker said in a statement. “First and foremost, it is the University of Texas. It has a rich history, tradition, and high standard of excellence that any coach would be proud to be affiliated with. As a lifetime college football fan who has watched Texas from afar, I have always admired how they do things the correct way and are so well respected. What an honor and joy to be a part of the Longhorn Football program and this wonderful university. It’s fantastic for my family, too; we can’t wait to get started and interact with the Longhorn community.”
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