June 2, 2025

Brian O’Connor Named Head Coach of Mississippi State Baseball

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News Summary

Mississippi State has appointed Brian O’Connor as the new head coach of its baseball program, marking a new chapter after the dismissal of Chris Lemonis. O’Connor comes with a stellar coaching record, including a national championship at Virginia. His previous tenure saw the Cavaliers excel in NCAA tournaments, and he aims to rejuvenate the Bulldogs’ struggling program. The formal introduction of O’Connor will take place at Dudy Noble Field, where fans can welcome the new leader as Mississippi State seeks to reclaim its baseball legacy.

Starkville, Mississippi: Brian O’Connor Named Head Coach of Mississippi State Baseball

Brian O’Connor has been appointed as the 19th head coach of Mississippi State baseball, succeeding Chris Lemonis, who was dismissed after a challenging seven-season tenure. O’Connor’s hiring comes on the heels of the Bulldogs’ disappointing exit following a loss to Florida State in the Tallahassee Regional, marking the end of the season.

Prior to O’Connor’s appointment, Justin Parker served as the interim head coach. His interim role followed the announcement of Lemonis’s firing, during which the program faced significant challenges, including four consecutive seasons without a postseason appearance at home.

O’Connor brings with him an impressive record from his time at Virginia, where he spent 22 seasons compiling a record of 904–385–2. During his tenure at Virginia, the Cavaliers participated in 18 NCAA Tournaments, reached the super regionals nine times, and made seven appearances in the College World Series. Notably, O’Connor led the program to a national championship in 2015. His success at Virginia earned him recognition as a five-time ACC Coach of the Year and he has produced 13 first-round MLB draft picks.

Despite Virginia’s 32–18 record in 2025, the team missed out on the NCAA Tournament, which contributed to O’Connor’s decision to move to Mississippi State. His history of elevating programs is significant, having transformed Virginia from a squad with only three NCAA Tournament appearances before 2004 into a perennial contender.

In his past, O’Connor also served as an assistant coach at Notre Dame from 1995 to 2003. His specialized background in coaching strengthens his qualifications as he steps into this new role at Mississippi State.

O’Connor’s choice to join Mississippi State is largely influenced by the program’s tradition, passion, and commitment to excellence in college baseball. These factors, alongside the opportunity to lead a program with a storied history, have motivated O’Connor to take on the challenges ahead.

The formal introduction of Brian O’Connor as the head coach will take place at Dudy Noble Field on June 5 at 7 p.m., an event that is open to the public, allowing fans and supporters to welcome the new coach.

Mississippi State has a rich legacy in baseball, highlighted by its recent national championship win in 2021. The Bulldogs have an impressive history that includes 41 regional appearances, 10 super regionals, and 12 College World Series trips. However, the program has faced hurdles in recent years, indicating a need for rejuvenation under O’Connor’s leadership.

Zac Selmon, the athletics director at Mississippi State, praised O’Connor as an elite coach who aligns perfectly with the program’s championship aspirations. His prior commitments included a contract extension with Virginia which featured a $500,000 buyout clause, underlining the high regard in which he was held before making the transition to Mississippi State.

As Mississippi State embarks on this new chapter with Brian O’Connor at the helm, the program and its supporters remain hopeful for a revival, aiming to build on its storied reputation in collegiate baseball.