Derrick Baker Named Director of Athletic Performance

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Derrick Baker, who has spent the six years with San Diego State, has been named as the Director of Athletic Performance at The University of New Mexico, where he will work with the Lobo Football program and oversee all facets of athletic performance and strength and conditioning for the team.  The hire is subject to university and H.R. approval.

Baker is a well-known commodity to head coach Danny Gonzales, as the two worked together at San Diego State, where Baker was the strength and conditioning coach for the Aztec track and field/cross country program along with men’s golf and football. Baker started full-time at SDSU in 2015 after spending six months as an intern with the University of California.

With the Cal Bears from January 2015 until July 2015, he assisted with football, men’s rowing and men’s gymnastics.  Prior to his time with Cal, Baker interned for two years with San Diego State.

“Derrick understands the process and the culture we are implementing, and he has been around winning and successful programs,” said head coach Danny Gonzales.  “Derrick will help our team get bigger and stronger, which will allow our guys to better withstand the grind of a season.  Our goal will always be to be the most physical team in our league, and Derrick will be a key factor in reaching that goal.”

Baker graduated from San Diego State in 2014 with a degree in kinesiology.  While a student at SDSU, he spent two years as the head student manager with SDSU football, conducting daily football operations, assisting with defensive line positions, coordinating practices and games and issuing and maintaining athletic gear and equipment.  He is both NSCA and USAW certified.