Lansing Catholic Varsity Football Coach Jim Baker to Step Down
Honoring Over 30 Years of Dedication to Lansing Catholic Football
Lansing, Mich. (April 15, 2025) – Lansing Catholic High School announces that Coach Jim Baker is stepping down from his role as Varsity Football Coach, concluding a remarkable chapter of leadership, mentorship, and excellence in Cougar Football.
“He has been a passionate presence in our community for decades,” said Dominic Iocco, President of Lansing Catholic High School. “His influence will be felt for years to come — not just in our football program, but in the lives of the young men he’s helped shape.”
Coach Baker has been a fixture in the Lansing Catholic football program for more than three decades, first serving as Offensive Line Coach for 28 years under Hall of Fame Coach Jim Ahern, transitioning to JV Head Coach starting in 2013, and then taking the reins as the Varsity Head Coach in 2021.
During his tenure with the Cougars, Coach Baker played an integral role in the program’s success, including being a key member of the coaching staff during Lansing Catholic’s 2019 Division 5 State Championship season. He then took over as head coach and led the Cougars to the 2021 Division 6 State Championship, defeating Warren Michigan Collegiate 16-6 at Ford Field. That same year, he guided the team to a CAAC White Conference Championship.
In 2024, Baker once again led the Cougars to Ford Field and the Division 6 state championship game, finishing as runner-up after a hard-fought battle against Jackson Lumen Christi.
In recognition of his outstanding leadership, Baker was named the 2024 State Coach of the Year — a well-deserved honor reflecting his impact both on the field and within the community.
Coach Baker’s influence extends far beyond wins and titles. In 1995, he founded the Junior Cougars youth football program, which has introduced generations of student-athletes to the game and to Cougar values. With Jim’s help and encouragement, Junior Cougars has grown into a foundational athletic program — not only developing future Cougar football players, but also expanding to include 13 other sports for youth in our community. His vision created an environment where young athletes could build skills, character, and confidence from an early age.
Lansing Catholic Athletic Director, Kenny Goodrich remarked, “Jim’s legacy is one of consistency, commitment, and care. He’s helped shape our players into not just better athletes, but better people. We are beyond grateful for his decades of service.”
Outside of football, Baker is the CEO of Innovare, a corporate office furniture dealer in Lansing, and is actively involved in the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, and St. Gerard Catholic Church. He and his wife, Kathy, reside in Lansing and are proud parents of four children.
Coach Baker leaves behind a legacy of championship culture, mentorship, and faith-driven leadership. His presence on the sidelines will be deeply missed, but his mark on Cougar Football is forever.
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For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Kenny Goodrich, Director of Athletics
Lansing Catholic High School
kenny.goodrich@lansingcatholic.org or 517-267-2100
Accepting applications now: https://www.dioceseoflansing.org/human-resources/careers