News Summary
Brian O’Connor, the head coach of the University of Virginia, is being considered as the leading candidate for the head coach position at Mississippi State University. This speculation comes as MSU seeks a replacement following the dismissal of Chris Lemonis. O’Connor has a successful track record, having led Virginia to numerous NCAA tournaments and a national championship. However, challenges within Virginia’s athletic department have raised questions about his future there. The decision on the new coach is anticipated soon as MSU continues its NCAA Tournament run.
Starkville, Mississippi – Brian O’Connor, the head coach at the University of Virginia, is emerging as the leading candidate for the head coach position of Mississippi State baseball, as speculations increased on May 29, 2025, following confirmations from several media outlets. Currently, there has been no official statement from Mississippi State University (MSU) as the Bulldogs focus on their NCAA Tournament run, which recently began against Northeastern in the Tallahassee Regional.
O’Connor, who has been with Virginia since 2004, has built a remarkable coaching career with a record of 913 wins, 392 losses, and two ties. Under his leadership, Virginia has participated in 18 NCAA tournaments, made seven College World Series appearances, and secured a national championship in 2015. Throughout his tenure, O’Connor has earned numerous accolades, including being named National Coach of the Year on three occasions and Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Coach of the Year five times.
Despite his impressive career, O’Connor has been facing challenges within Virginia’s athletic department. Unresolved issues related to the department’s policies and funding have reportedly caused his frustration, particularly with limitations surrounding baseball scholarships. A new NCAA rule, coming into effect for the 2025-26 season, allows Division I baseball programs to provide full scholarships to as many as 34 players, yet Virginia may only be able to fund 20 scholarships for its baseball team, according to unconfirmed reports. Additionally, restrictions imposed on midweek travel for nonconference games have impacted Virginia’s scheduling flexibility, potentially affecting the team’s postseason opportunities.
The search for a new baseball coach at Mississippi State follows the dismissal of former coach Chris Lemonis in late April. Despite leading the Bulldogs to a national championship in 2021, Lemonis was let go due to inconsistent performance during subsequent seasons. The Bulldogs are currently under the guidance of interim coach Justin Parker, who has led the team to a record of 34-21 this season.
O’Connor’s season with Virginia ended disappointingly, as his team finished with a 31-25 record and missed out on this year’s NCAA tournament. This outcome has fueled speculation regarding O’Connor’s potential departure from the program, particularly as Mississippi State actively seeks a replacement coach. Reports indicate that O’Connor’s buyout amount from Virginia is set at $500,000, which could impact negotiations for his potential move to MSU.
Mississippi State’s athletic director, Zac Selmon, has highlighted the prominence of the baseball program, calling it one of the premier coaching jobs in college baseball. With top-tier facilities and strong community support, the university aims to attract a leading figure in the sport. Although O’Connor’s hiring has not yet been finalized, it is anticipated to be completed in the upcoming days as the Bulldogs continue their pursuit of a new head coach.
As MSU navigates the NCAA Tournament, the impending decision on its coaching future looms large, potentially marking a significant transition in the program’s direction. O’Connor’s name continues to circulate as the primary candidate, and both sides appear eager to resolve the situation quickly, particularly as the baseball landscape in college athletics remains highly competitive.
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Additional Resources
- Jerry Ratcliffe
- Daily Progress
- Baseball America
- Clarion Ledger
- On3
- Wikipedia: Brian O’Connor (baseball)
- Google Search: Mississippi State baseball coaching search
- Google Scholar: college baseball coaching
- Encyclopedia Britannica: baseball
- Google News: Brian O’Connor Mississippi State
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
