At a Glance

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland (born June 20, 1962)College: Brian graduated from The University of Maryland with a degree in Marketing. He played outside linebacker for the Terrapin football team from 1981-1983. Brian’s positive influence as a player for the Terrapins led to an invitation for him to remain with the program as an assistant coach. He accepted the offer, marking the first stint of his long successful coaching career. NFL Experience: In 1996, Brian Baker entered the NFL as a defensive assistant coach where he worked under his former coach, Bobby Ross. In Baker’s first and only season with the Charger, they missed the playoffs franchise by one game. He has valuable experience in the NFL, having spent time with the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams and Carolina Panthers. Over the years, Brian has earned a noteworthy reputation as one of the most knowledgeable defensive line coaches in the NFL. He is known for his enthusiastic and animated coaching style. Baker cares about his players and typically greets them by a “thought of the day” each morning, generally a bible verse written on a blackboard by Coach Baker himself. During the 2011 offseason coaching flux in Dallas, first time Head Coach Jason Garrett moved one step closer to finalizing his staff on February 9th 2011 when he announced his third outside hire of the offseason. Brian Baker joined John Garrett to become the second All Pro Dad on the Cowboys coaching staff. As the defensive line coach, Brian inherited All Pro defensive tackle Jay Ratliff and a bulk of young talent in Sean Lissemore, Clifton Geathers and Josh Brent. Baker’s arrival added 27 years of coaching experience to the Cowboy coaching staff, 15 spent in the NFL.

Bio

Family Bio: Working from the press box as a coach for Army, Brian had a break in the action during their annual game against Navy and decided to scan the crowd with his binoculars. It was then that he noticed a beautiful woman in the stands. Later that night in the team hotel, he could not believe it when he was introduced to the same beauty that caught his eye earlier. That beauty in the stands turned out to be named Nevada and over time she and Brian started dating. Years later, when Brian was on the coaching staff at Georgia Tech and had the opportunity to celebrate a national championship, he felt something was missing – and that something was Nevada. Since marrying his sweetheart, Brian has had the honor of witnessing all 3 of his daughters’ births- Nicole, Jade and Jasmine. “Winning championships pales in comparison to the euphoria of witnessing your child’s birth”, he said. As a father, Brian’s priority is to pass along the importance of faith to his daughters. He is grateful for the opportunity to pray with his girls every night, even if it has to be over the phone from his office. He is convinced that faith and prayer will help them make good decisions throughout their lives. Brian and his family are board game fanatics, and he and Nevada consistently enjoy date night. While a pair of binoculars changed his life years ago, Brian now focuses on what is really important: his faith and his family. Career Bio: PLAYER: Maryland (1981-1983) COACH: Maryland (1984-1985), Army (1986), Georgia Tech (1987-1995), San Diego Chargers (1996), Detroit Lions (1997-2000), Minnesota Vikings (2001-2005), St. Louis Rams (2006-2008), Carolina Panthers (2009-2010), Dallas Cowboys (2011-2013), Cleveland Browns (2013-present)  Career Highlights:• NFL Playoff Appearance Minnesota Vikings (2004)• NFL Playoff Appearance Detroit Lions (1999,1997)• National Champions Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (1990)• Atlantic Coast Conference Champions Maryland Terrapins (1983)

Volunteer: Volunteers at Shriners Hospitals for Children

A Few Players Influenced by Brian Baker:

Julius Peppers (Carolina Panthers), “ALL PRO DAD” Luther Elliss (Detroit Lions), Robert Porcher (Detroit Lions), Lance Johnstone (Minnesota Vikings), Kevin Williams (Minnesota Vikings), Leonard Little (St. Louis Rams), La’Roi Glover (St. Louis Rams)

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