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http://www.gastongazette.com/sports/coach-54806-former-heel.html
Former Panthers coach, current Tar Heel coach mulling offer from CowboysFebruary 03, 2011 5:38 PM
Steve Reed
CHARLOTTE – Defensive line coach Brian Baker is contemplating a return to the NFL, but not with the Carolina Panthers.
Baker, who was hired as the defensive line coach with the University of North Carolina last month, said Thursday he’s mulling over an opportunity to join the Dallas Cowboys as their defensive line coach, although he’s completely undecided at this point.
“I have to sit down and talk with my wife about it when I get back to Charlotte in the next few days,” Baker said.
Sources said the Cowboys first made contact with Baker shortly after his contract expired with the Panthers. Baker called the Panthers out of respect, saying he was considering interviewing with the Cowboys. At that point the Panthers got into the mix, trying to convice Baker to return to join new head coach Ron Rivera’s staff, and some within the organization felt like he would come back in the same capacity.
However, despite Baker's immense respect for general manager Marty Hurney, things didn’t work out in Carolina and the Panthers moved on, hiring former Chicago Bears defensive line coach Eric Washington instead on Monday to take Baker’s old spot at defensive line. Although his goal is to become a college head coach, Baker admits that the lure of “the star” in Dallas is intriguing.
The Cowboys recently added Rob Ryan as their defensive coordinator.
But Baker admits it’s a difficult decision, especially given his ultimate desire is to become a head coach at the college level.
“I enjoy working with the kids,” Baker said. “You try to develop them athletically, academically and help them become responsible members of the community. I like the idea of teaching them and helping them become better people.”
Baker said he loves working at North Carolina, calling in a great environment.
Baker was considered one of Panthers' bright, young coaches, but he was one of the first to bolt town after their parting with head coach John Fox became official. Baker agreed to join the Tar Heels as their defensive line coach on Jan. 10.
Baker spent the past two seasons working with the Panthers and was extremely popular among players. Known for his animated and emotional coaching style, Baker made an immediate impact.
In 2010, defensive end Charles Johnson turned in his best season as a pro finishing with 11.5 sacks, which ranked seventh overall in the NFL and was one more than he had accumulated in his previous three seasons combined. Carolina’s defensive line accounted for 23.5 of the Panthers' 31 sacks.
In 2009, Baker developed a line that was productive despite a number of injuries at defensive tackle. Julius Peppers led the team that year with 10.5 sacks and five forced fumbles, and Carolina’s defensive line accounted for 24.5 sacks.
In a story about Baker’s hire that appeared on the Tar Heels website, Peppers said of Baker: “I learned a lot from him and I believe I improved as a player as a result of being coached by him… I know the players will benefit from his influence and guidance both on and off the football field."
Prior to joining the Panthers, Baker spent three years as defensive line coach with the St. Louis Rams and five years with the Minnesota Vikings coaching various positions.
Former Panthers coach, current Tar Heel coach mulling offer from CowboysFebruary 03, 2011 5:38 PM
Steve Reed
CHARLOTTE – Defensive line coach Brian Baker is contemplating a return to the NFL, but not with the Carolina Panthers.
Baker, who was hired as the defensive line coach with the University of North Carolina last month, said Thursday he’s mulling over an opportunity to join the Dallas Cowboys as their defensive line coach, although he’s completely undecided at this point.
“I have to sit down and talk with my wife about it when I get back to Charlotte in the next few days,” Baker said.
Sources said the Cowboys first made contact with Baker shortly after his contract expired with the Panthers. Baker called the Panthers out of respect, saying he was considering interviewing with the Cowboys. At that point the Panthers got into the mix, trying to convice Baker to return to join new head coach Ron Rivera’s staff, and some within the organization felt like he would come back in the same capacity.
However, despite Baker's immense respect for general manager Marty Hurney, things didn’t work out in Carolina and the Panthers moved on, hiring former Chicago Bears defensive line coach Eric Washington instead on Monday to take Baker’s old spot at defensive line. Although his goal is to become a college head coach, Baker admits that the lure of “the star” in Dallas is intriguing.
The Cowboys recently added Rob Ryan as their defensive coordinator.
But Baker admits it’s a difficult decision, especially given his ultimate desire is to become a head coach at the college level.
“I enjoy working with the kids,” Baker said. “You try to develop them athletically, academically and help them become responsible members of the community. I like the idea of teaching them and helping them become better people.”
Baker said he loves working at North Carolina, calling in a great environment.
Baker was considered one of Panthers' bright, young coaches, but he was one of the first to bolt town after their parting with head coach John Fox became official. Baker agreed to join the Tar Heels as their defensive line coach on Jan. 10.
Baker spent the past two seasons working with the Panthers and was extremely popular among players. Known for his animated and emotional coaching style, Baker made an immediate impact.
In 2010, defensive end Charles Johnson turned in his best season as a pro finishing with 11.5 sacks, which ranked seventh overall in the NFL and was one more than he had accumulated in his previous three seasons combined. Carolina’s defensive line accounted for 23.5 of the Panthers' 31 sacks.
In 2009, Baker developed a line that was productive despite a number of injuries at defensive tackle. Julius Peppers led the team that year with 10.5 sacks and five forced fumbles, and Carolina’s defensive line accounted for 24.5 sacks.
In a story about Baker’s hire that appeared on the Tar Heels website, Peppers said of Baker: “I learned a lot from him and I believe I improved as a player as a result of being coached by him… I know the players will benefit from his influence and guidance both on and off the football field."
Prior to joining the Panthers, Baker spent three years as defensive line coach with the St. Louis Rams and five years with the Minnesota Vikings coaching various positions.
