Kenny Baker - Football Coach - Mercer University Athletics

Photo by: Judy Stapleton

Kenny Baker

Title:
Defensive Line
Email:
baker_ka@mercer.edu
Phone:
(478) 301-4604

Kenny Baker completed his sixth season as defensive line coach at Mercer University in 2018, a position he held since arriving in Macon prior to the 2014 season.

Coaching Experience:

Mercer – Defensive Line Coach (2014-2018)
- 2018
  - Mentored a defensive line unit that was led by junior tackle Dorian Kithcart, who registered career-highs of 29 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss & 2.5 sacks
  - Saw Isaiah Buehler conclude an impressive career at defensive end as he battled through injuries to total 25 tackles, 4.0 TFL & 1.5 sacks
  - Baker's unit helped Mercer rank 21st in the FCS in red zone defense (74.5 percent)
  - Oversaw the development of defensive end Destin Guillen, who made nine starts
- 2017
  - Saw Isaiah Buehler emerge as one of SoCon’s top defensive linemen, earning All-SoCon First Team honors with team-leading 7.5 TFL & 5.5 sacks
  - Baker’s defensive line helped Mercer lead the SoCon & rank 28th nationally in red zone defense (.750)
  - Defensive line played key role in Mercer leading SoCon in turnovers gained (25) & turnover margin (+9)
  - Bears ranked third in SoCon in scoring defense (21.6) in league contests
- 2016
  - Baker’s defensive line helped Mercer tally at least 21 turnovers for the third straight year & rank 23rd nationally in turnover margin
  - Further developed Isaiah Buehler into a focal point of Mercer’s defense as Buehler earned All-SoCon Second Team honors with seven TFL & three sacks
  - Saw freshman Dorian Kithcart claim SoCon All-Freshman Team honors at defensive tackle
- 2015
  - Bears’ defensive line ranked among SoCon’s best against the run under Baker, allowing 171.3 yards per game
  - Mercer allowed league-low 21.3 points per contest
  - Baker played key role in progression of defensive end Isaiah Buehler, who earned SoCon All-Freshman Team honors
- 2014
  - Oversaw a young defensive line that helped the Bears lead the SoCon in turnover margin with 24 turnovers
  - Bears finished fourth in SoCon in scoring defense (24.1) & total defense (379.9) while posting two shutouts
  - Mentored SoCon All-Freshman Team selection Austin Barrett at defensive tackle
Berry College – Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers (2013)
Gardner-Webb – Student Assistant (2009)

Collegiate Playing Experience:

Gardner-Webb (2005-08)
- Four-year letterman & three-year starter on the defensive line for the Runnin’ Bulldogs
- Selected as a team captain & garnered team’s defensive Player of the Year honors in 2007
- Regular member of school’s Dean’s List & Big South Honor Roll

Education: