The coaching carousel churn started earlier than normal this year with several significant in-season firings, including Jose Cruz at Rice, Chris Lemonis at Mississippi State, Michael Federico at Louisiana-Monroe, Ryan Shotzberger at Incarnate Word and more.
With schools’ coaching searches already underway, Baseball America presents our annual list of coaches to watch this summer as all the job reshuffling plays out.
It is important to note that this is a list of coaches who could be worth keeping an eye on as opportunities come open. Coaches are listed in no particular order.
Brian O’Connor, head coach, Virginia: Nothing has changed from an offseason ago when BA also included O’Connor on this list. Hiring him away from Virginia—where he won the 2015 national championship and has advanced to the College World Series seven times, including in three of the last four seasons—is going to be difficult and would require a sizable offer from one of the sport’s blue bloods. Could this be the offseason, though? Mississippi State is already open and sources familiar with Texas A&M’s plans have indicated that the head job there is also very likely to be available. There’s no urgency for O’Connor to leave the Cavaliers, but the thought of seeing one of the sport’s greats in SEC digs is awfully intriguing.
Tom Walter, head coach, Wake Forest: There are a lot of similarities in rationale between O’Connor and Walter’s inclusions on this list. Walter is wrapping up his 16th season atop a Wake Forest program that he built up to national relevance and took to the College World Series in 2023. Pulling him out of a comfortable situation like that won’t be easy. But sources have indicated that it’s very possible. While it’s way too early to call anyone a candidate yet, Walter is in the preliminary mix for the Mississippi State opening and could presumably find himself in the sights of other high-major programs if opportunities arise.
Dan Fitzgerald, head coach, Kansas: Fitzgerald breathed life into an otherwise lowly Kansas baseball program, elevating it from a perennial postseason miss to one of the Big 12’s top teams in just three years. The 48-year-old became the first Jayhawks skipper to earn Big 12 Coach of the Year honors after breaking the program records in regular season and conference wins in 2025. There are sure to be job openings this fall that will aim to target one of the sport’s up-and-comers. Fitzgerald could be the biggest prize in that category.
Chris Pollard, head coach, Duke: Pollard has elevated Duke from afterthought to annual contender in the ACC since taking over in 2013, guiding the program to three super regionals and just one postseason miss since 2016. That level of consistent success has made him an annual buzzy name when the coaching carousel starts to churn, and this year is no exception. Pollard has spent nearly a decade and a half with the Blue Devils, meaning he’s surely turned down other opportunities to remain there. But Baseball America expects those inquiries to continue, which constituted his inclusion on this list even if he continues to say no.
Michael Earley, head coach, Texas A&M: Let’s just cut straight to the chase here: This year has been a disaster in College Station and, barring a stunning late-season revival, will likely end with a second coaching search in as many years. While that reality would obviously leave Earley displaced from his position after just one season, the 38-year-old has a strong track record as a hitting coach and would likely become a quick target for teams looking to bolster their collection of assistants. Earley has familiarity with the West Coast recruiting scene after spending four years as an assistant at Arizona State and SEC experience, having spent the last four years at Texas A&M.
Rob Vaughn, head coach, Alabama: Vaughn stabilized Alabama overnight following the abrupt departure of Brad Bohannon, compiling a 74-40 record in two seasons and positioning the Crimson Tide for another postseason run, which could include host status this year. At just 37 years old, Vaughn is one of the fastest-rising young coaches in the country, earning praise for his player development skills and steady leadership. His immediate success in the SEC, combined with his age and upside, could make him an attractive target for one of the nation’s elite jobs.
Marc Rardin, head coach, Western Kentucky: Rardin has led one of the best turnaround stories of 2025, taking Western Kentucky into the national rankings and keeping the Hilltoppers squarely in the bubble conversation, a rarity in Bowling Green. Rardin built a powerhouse junior college program at Iowa Western prior to joining the Hilltoppers and won multiple national titles there. Although he lacks Power 4 coaching experience, Rardin’s winning pedigree and player development reputation could appeal to a higher-major team with a more limited hiring budget. Like Fitzgerald, Rardin could be an intriguing up-and-comer-type addition.
Christian Ostrander, head coach, Southern Miss: He hasn’t been Southern Miss head coach for long, but Ostrander has helped build one of the country’s most consistent mid-major winners over the past decade, first as pitching coach and now as skipper. With far fewer resources than his SEC neighbors, Ostrander’s reputation for development and in-game acumen is well established, and it’s hard not to wonder what he could accomplish with the backing and infrastructure of a program with more resources. The main question is experience, as Ostrander is in just his second full season as a Division I head coach. Still, given his success, he makes a whole lot of sense as a potential option for Power 4 teams looking to win now.
Skip Johnson, head coach, Oklahoma: Between a hefty buyout after signing a contract extension through 2029 and the well-established nature of his tenure at Oklahoma, Johnson could be quite hard to pull from his current post. But teams will still call, as they have in past offseasons. A candidate for several high-profile positions in recent years, Johnson is regarded as one of college baseball’s preeminent pitching coaches, a notion that’s easily backed up by his work with players like future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw. Johnson would be a massive splash hire if a team has the finances to pull off the move.
Mark Wasikowski, head coach, Oregon: Wasikowski has quietly built one of the steadiest programs on the West Coast, and now, in the Big Ten. In their first year in a new conference, the Ducks won a share of the regular season title, reached the 40-win mark for a third straight season and are set to grow their postseason streak to four years, matching the longest run in program history. Wasikowski, who earned Big Ten Coach of the Year honors this season, is a proven builder with turnaround jobs at both Purdue and Oregon, five regional appearances and two super regional appearances on his resume. He’s deeply entrenched in Eugene, but his name could surface if a marquee job opens, especially one with national upside and the resources to match.
Ben Orloff, head coach, UC Irvine: Orloff has turned UC Irvine into one of the nation’s most consistent and respected mid-major programs. Now in his seventh season as head coach, the Anteaters have posted winning records every year under his leadership, including a 39–13 mark in 2025 that secured the Big West regular season title. Orloff’s teams are known for their discipline, player development and competitive edge, attributes that have led to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. A former All-American shortstop at UC Irvine, Orloff’s deep ties to the program make him a fixture in Irvine, but his coaching acumen and track record of success could make him an attractive candidate for higher-profile positions should he choose to pursue them.
Skylar Meade, head coach, Troy: Meade has rapidly elevated Troy into one of the Sun Belt’s more formidable programs, lifting the Trojans from a team that hovered around .500 to one that competes for a spot in the NCAA at-large conversation. In his first three seasons, he amassed a 109–68 record—the best start for any head coach in program history—and guided the Trojans to a 2023 NCAA Regional appearance, their first since 2018. Meade’s 2025 squad, his fourth at Troy, is on the bubble for NCAA Tournament entry and has a chance to set a new high watermark in wins during his tenure. Troy has taken care of Meade and invested in baseball in recent years, but the 40-year-old’s success and coaching acumen could make him a compelling pick for schools seeking a dynamic leader.
Mike Glavine, head coach, Northeastern: Glavine just orchestrated what might’ve been the best mid-major season in the country, guiding Northeastern to a 45-9 record, a 25-2 mark in CAA play and an astounding 24-game winning streak to end the regular season. The Huskies captured the league title in dominant fashion and established themselves as one of the most complete teams in the country, regardless of conference. Glavine has been a fixture in the program since 2007, making any departure feel unlikely. But for programs seeking a proven winner with staying power and player development chops, Glavine is the kind of coach worth pursuing—and forcing to say no.
Will Davis, head coach, Lamar: Davis has methodically transformed Lamar into a Southland Conference powerhouse, guiding the Cardinals to back-to-back 40-win seasons in 2024 and 2025—the program’s first such achievement since 2003–04. Under his leadership, Lamar clinched the 2024 regular season title, and Davis was honored as Southland Coach of the Year. The 2025 squad continued its dominance, finishing with a 40–15 record and a 27–2 home mark, the best at Vincent–Beck Stadium since 1993. A former LSU assistant and national champion, Davis has built a reputation for developing talent and fostering a winning culture. While he recently signed a four-year extension, his sustained success makes him an intriguing candidate to move up in the college baseball ranks.
Steve Holm, head coach, Illinois State: Holm has spent the last seven years at Illinois State and could likely stay longer if he chooses to. According to sources, though, there has been at least some preliminary inquiry as to whether Holm could make a return to the Power 4 ranks as an assistant coach. As of May 22, it’s still a little too early to know if that’s a likely outcome or not. The fact that it’s even remotely on the table warranted his inclusion.
Billy O’Conner, head coach, Xavier: O’Conner continues to elevate Xavier’s profile nationally, steering the Musketeers to a 32–25 overall record and a 14–7 mark in Big East play in 2025 to position them for NCAA Tournament at-large consideration. This season included a significant milestone: O’Conner’s 200th career win, achieved during a series sweep of Butler in April. Under his leadership, Xavier has secured multiple 30-win seasons and a Big East Tournament championship in 2023, culminating in an NCAA Regional Final appearance. While deeply rooted in Cincinnati, O’Conner’s growing reputation suggests he could be a compelling candidate for higher-profile positions in the near future.
Lane Burroughs, head coach, Louisiana Tech: Burroughs is a perennial name to watch on the coaching carousel, and 2025 is no different. A proven winner with strong administrative backing, he’s under contract through 2027 but continues to draw interest each cycle. Whether he stays or goes, his name will surface.
Pat Hallmark, head coach, UTSA: Hallmark has guided UTSA to a historic 2025 season, clinching the program’s first American Athletic Conference regular season title and setting a new record with 43 wins. His leadership earned him AAC Coach of the Year honors, marking his second such accolade after previously being named Southland Coach of the Year in 2019. During his tenure, the Roadrunners have consistently improved, becoming a formidable force in college baseball. With a proven track record of building competitive programs, Hallmark’s name is increasingly mentioned in discussions for higher-profile coaching positions, a conversation that could get loud this offseason.
Alex Sogard, head coach Wright State: It feels like a matter of when, not if, Sogard makes the jump to a higher-profile job. He’s maintained Wright State’s tradition of excellence and added to it, becoming the only coach in program history to lead the Raiders to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances. At just 37 years old, he’s following a familiar path, as previous Wright State skippers Rob Cooper, Greg Lovelady and Jeff Mercer all moved on to major jobs. Sogard’s consistent success and age make him one of the most logical next-in-line candidates among mid-major coaches.
Reggie Christiansen, head coach, Sacramento State: Christiansen has quietly built one of the most consistent mid-major programs in the country, leading the Hornets to 12 seasons of 30 or more wins in 14 full years, including a 2025 campaign that saw the team clinch its third WAC regular season title. Christiansen was named WAC Coach of the Year for the third time, joining his previous honors in 2012 and 2014. With 457 career wins at Sacramento State, his teams have made three NCAA Tournament appearances (2014, 2017, 2019) and produced numerous notable MLB draft picks, including Rhys Hoskins and James Outman. While Christiansen has deep roots in Sacramento, his sustained success and player development track record stand out.
Derek Matlock, head coach, UTRGV: Matlock has methodically elevated UTRGV into a formidable program, culminating in a share of the Southland Conference regular season title in 2025. In his eighth season, the Vaqueros posted a 36–18 overall record and a 22–8 mark in conference play, both good enough for bubble consideration. Matlock achieved his 200th career win in March 2025, underscoring his sustained success at the helm. While Matlock has deep roots in Texas and a strong commitment to UTRGV, his track record positions him as a potential candidate.
Joe Pennucci, head coach, East Tennessee State: Pennucci has steadily elevated ETSU into contender status in the Southern Conference, culminating in a standout 2025 season. The Buccaneers posted a 38–15 overall record and a 14–7 mark in conference play, earning the No. 1 seed in the SoCon tournament and securing the regular season title. Pennucci was named SoCon Coach of the Year, while his players swept the league’s major awards—including Player, Pitcher and Freshman of the Year honors. He also notched his 200th career win this spring, becoming just the third coach in program history to reach that milestone. With a background that includes a College World Series run as Stony Brook’s recruiting coordinator, Pennucci’s resume is increasingly difficult to overlook.
Joey Hammond, head coach, High Point: Hammond has rapidly elevated High Point’s baseball program, leading the Panthers to their first Big South Tournament title and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2024. In 2025, the team continued its strong performance, securing the No. 2 seed in the Big South Tournament and earning a program-record nine All-Conference selections. Hammond’s leadership has transformed High Point into a formidable contender in the conference. High Point offers a pretty decent amount of institutional support, which could make it slightly more difficult for Hammond to leave, but a high-major opportunity could possibly sway things.
Ed Kahovec, head coach, Holy Cross: Kahovec has built a strong foundation at Holy Cross, leading the program to consistent Patriot League contention and establishing a clear developmental identity. He’s well supported and deeply entrenched in Worcester, making him a tough pull, but his success and reputation could eventually draw attention from programs looking for a steady hand.
James Ramsey, associate head coach, Georgia Tech: Ramsey is widely viewed as the head coach in waiting at Georgia Tech, with longtime skipper Danny Hall stepping down after the 2025 season and publicly endorsing Ramsey as his preferred successor. Still, the school could opt for a wider search. If Ramsey is passed over, his next move could come quickly, whether as a head coach elsewhere or a high-end assistant at another major program.
Justin Parker, interim head coach, Mississippi State: Parker was elevated to interim head coach following Chris Lemonis’ surprising in-season dismissal and helped guide the Bulldogs out of the mud and into at-large position. Mississippi State went 8-1 in conference games under Parker’s direction to close the regular season at 15-15 in the SEC. A respected pitching coach with SEC experience, Parker would offer continuity at Mississippi State should it opt to retain him either as a head coach or top assistant. If not, he’s a strong bet to land another job quickly.
Reggie Willits, assistant coach, Oklahoma: Willits has earned a reputation as one of the top assistant coaches in college baseball, bringing major league experience and a strong player development background to Oklahoma’s dugout. Willits has only been a college coach since 2021, which could lead to a potential learning curve should he step into a head coach position, but his proven ability to acquire and develop talent makes him as intriguing a first-year college head coaching candidate as any assistant.
Nolan Cain, associate head coach, Texas: Cain has quietly become one of the sport’s most respected assistants, playing a key role in building elite rosters at LSU, Texas A&M and now Texas, where he serves as the associate head coach for the potential No. 1 national seed. Cain’s recruiting prowess and years of experience under Jim Schlossnagle give him strong credibility, and he is seen as a future head coach at a major program. Cain is expected to be one of the hottest names in the nation this offseason.
Chuck Jeroloman, associate head coach, Florida: Florida’s recruiting coordinator and associate head coach, Jeroloman has garnered a strong reputation throughout the South for his keen eye for talent and relationship building, which has helped the Gators land reasonably prominent high school draft prospects over the last several years as well as influenced transfer their portal successes. Currently in his sixth season in Gainesville, Jeroloman could very well be in it for the long haul with Florida, where he’s learning from legendary head coach Kevin O’Sullivan. Still, it would be foolish to think that a program looking to hire a notable assistant wouldn’t call. Jeroloman was tied to UCF and USF’s coaching searches and has also been in the mix for various Sun Belt opportunities over the last few years.
Jon Coyne, recruiting coordinator, Kansas: Coyne has been one of the keys to Kansas’ rapid ascent, serving as its recruiting coordinator under Dan Fitzgerald since the summer of 2022. The 36-year-old has a unique grasp on the junior college recruiting market, which has fueled the Jayhawks’ roster construction, and it’s believed that the strategy could translate into quick success at mid-major programs with limited resources. According to multiple sources, Coyne’s name is already in the mix for the vacant Louisiana-Monroe head coach position, and it’s likely others will join the mix as the offseason progresses. Top assistant coaching roles in the Power 4 are also worth keeping an eye on for Coyne.
Nate Yeskie, pitching coach, LSU: Yeskie has solidified his reputation as one of college baseball’s premier pitching minds. In 2024, his first season at LSU, the Tigers led the nation with 733 strikeouts, and eight of his pitchers were selected in the MLB Draft, including four in the top six rounds. His coaching resume includes five College World Series appearances across three different programs—Oregon State, Arizona, and Texas A&M—and a national championship with Oregon State in 2018. With a track record of developing elite arms and producing results at the highest level, Yeskie is a name that will continue to surface for head coaching opportunities.
Kevin McMullan, recruiting coordinator, Virginia: McMullan has been a cornerstone of Virginia baseball for over two decades, serving as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator since 2003. He’s been recognized in a poll conducted by Baseball America as the top assistant coach in college baseball three times (2012, 2017 and 2020). Under his guidance, the Cavaliers’ offense has routinely ranked among the nation’s best, contributing to their third College World Series appearance in four years in 2024. While he has been considered for head coaching positions elsewhere, McMullan’s deep roots and success at Virginia make him a formidable figure in college baseball coaching circles.
Jason Kelly, pitching coach, Texas A&M: Kelly joined Texas A&M in 2024 after serving as the head coach at Washington, where he led the Huskies to a 35–20 record and an NCAA Regional appearance in his first season. Kelly has held pitching coach roles at LSU, Arizona State and Washington, contributing to a College World Series with the Huskies. If Texas A&M undergoes a staff overhaul this offseason, Kelly’s extensive experience and proven track record could make him a strong candidate for head coaching positions or top assistant roles elsewhere.
Nate Thompson, recruiting coordinator, Arkansas: Thompson has been a key figure in Arkansas’ offensive success since joining in 2017, developing multiple All-Americans and MLB draft picks. His recruiting and hitting expertise make him a consistent name in coaching circles.
Troy Tulowitzki, assistant coach, Texas: The five-time MLB All-Star returned to Texas’ staff in 2025 as hitting coach, bringing a strong player development track record and postseason experience. His profile continues to draw attention and sources have said that Tulowitzki wants to be a head coach one day. We’ll see if this is the offseason that it happens, but that development doesn’t feel too far off, regardless.
Bill Cliento, associate head coach, Wake Forest: Cilento, in his 14th season at Wake Forest, has been instrumental in developing hitters and infielders, contributing to the program’s national prominence. He and Corey Muscara would likely have been on this list regardless of circumstance at Wake Forest, but with Tom Walter’s name strongly in the conversation for big openings, it would make sense for his top assistants to be candidates to be on the move.
Corey Muscara, pitching coach, Wake Forest: Muscara has received head coaching interest before and is expected to again after his fourth season with the Demon Deacons. Muscara has led Wake Forest’s pitching staff to national prominence, developing multiple MLB draft prospects and a staff that led the nation in ERA in 2023 when it made a run to the College World Series.
Dylan Jones, pitching coach, UC Santa Barbara: Jones has helped maintain UC Santa Barbara’s reputation for elite arms, guiding one of the Big West’s most effective pitching staffs. His work in developing strike-throwing, high-upside arms has contributed to UCSB’s sustained success and makes him a name to watch in the West.
Ty Megahee, recruiting coordinator, Florida State: Megahee has played a key role in Florida State’s recent resurgence, helping the Seminoles secure impact talent while also contributing as a hitting coach. With nearly two decades of experience, including time at Louisiana and Samford, he’s well-regarded across the Southeast and could be a fit for a top assistant or even head role down the line.
Travis Creel, hitting coach, Southern Miss: Creel has been integral to Southern Miss’ sustained winning under multiple head coaches, helping shape one of the most productive and consistent offenses in the Sun Belt. A former Golden Eagle himself, Creel knows the program inside out and has earned praise for both development and results—traits that could translate to a larger role elsewhere.
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