Look out, Southeastern Conference.
Lane Kiffin just keeps assembling an all-star staff.
After earlier securing offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby with a raise and contract extension, Kiffin is raiding one of his former employer's – Southern California – for one of college football's brightest young stars.
John David Baker, whose ascension from Abilene Christian to major Power-5 football has been lightning-quick, has accepted the role of tight ends coach and passing game coordinator at Ole Miss, per sources familiar with the move.
A former quarterback at Abilene Christian, Baker has absolutely soared up the ranks of college football. He spent two years as a coach at his alma mater, three years helping North Texas and the past two seasons at Southern Cal – most recently as the Trojans' tight ends coach.
Now he's joining Kiffin's staff that's among the most energetic and up-and-coming young staffs in college football. Offensive coordinator Lebby had fielded interest for multiple years from major Power-5 conferences, nearly landing the Tennessee offensive coordinator position two years ago, and even elicited some head coaching interest during this cycle.
Baker has experienced a similar surge in his career path. He had been a candidate at other SEC schools and various Power-5 outposts during the past six weeks, but it was the allure of joining Kiffin's staff that prompted Baker to accept the position on Kiffin's staff in Oxford, Mississippi.