June 7, 2025

Brian O’Connor Named Head Coach of Mississippi State Baseball

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News Summary

Brian O’Connor has been officially appointed as the 19th head coach of Mississippi State baseball in a grand ceremony at Dudy Noble Field. After a successful 22-year career at the University of Virginia, where he achieved over 900 wins and a national championship, O’Connor aims to elevate the Mississippi State program. He signed a lucrative four-year contract worth an average annual salary of $2.9 million, which reflects the program’s ambition to return to elite status in college baseball.

STARKVILLE, Mississippi — Brian O’Connor was officially announced as the 19th head coach of Mississippi State baseball during a grand ceremony held at Dudy Noble Field on June 5, 2025. The event drew thousands of enthusiastic fans eager to welcome O’Connor, who brings an impressive track record from his lengthy tenure at the University of Virginia.

O’Connor arrives at Mississippi State after spending 22 successful years as head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers baseball team. Over the course of his career, he has achieved more than 900 wins and made seven appearances at the College World Series, culminating in a national championship victory in 2015. His extensive experience positions him as a strong leader capable of elevating Mississippi State’s baseball program.

In the wake of the event, O’Connor expressed his eagerness to meet the expectations set for him by the Mississippi State baseball community. His focus on building strong relationships among players indicates a commitment to fostering a positive team environment, which he described as a “clubhouse”—a term that highlights his vision of creating a familial atmosphere within the team.

For his new role, O’Connor signed a four-year contract valued at an average annual salary of $2.9 million, making him the second-highest paid coach in college baseball. This new compensation is notably higher than the previous year’s salary of former coach Chris Lemonis, by approximately $1.55 million. The contract also includes incentives that allow O’Connor to earn up to $500,000 in performance bonuses each year. His former contract with Virginia was pegged at $1.4 million, along with a $500,000 buyout clause.

O’Connor’s hiring came immediately after Mississippi State’s elimination in the NCAA tournament, underscoring a rapid transition as the program seeks to reclaim its status among the elite in college baseball. The celebratory introduction was marked by festivities such as a red carpet, a stage adorned with Mississippi State trophies, and a lively atmosphere complete with firework displays and the ringing of cowbells.

O’Connor’s career coaching record currently stands at 885-370-2, reflecting a remarkable winning percentage of .705, which ranks him as the highest among active NCAA coaches. His prior leadership has led Virginia to 18 NCAA tournament appearances—including a remarkable streak of 14 consecutive tournaments from 2004 to 2017.

As Mississippi State prepares for this new era, O’Connor’s commitment to developing young athletes both on and off the field remains a priority. He emphasized the rich tradition and support surrounding the Mississippi State baseball program, indicating that he felt it was the right moment to embark on this new career path.

Accompanying O’Connor to Mississippi State are two assistant coaches from Virginia: Kevin McMullan and Matt Kirby, while the pitching coach Justin Parker continues with the program. Together, they aim to bolster the team’s performance and contribute to a competitive baseball environment.

The introduction of Brian O’Connor marks a significant shift for Mississippi State baseball, as the program looks to solidify its identity as a premier player in the realm of college athletics, bringing renewed hope and ambition to the loyal fan base.