June 10, 2025

Mississippi State Appoints New Baseball Coach

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News Summary

Mississippi State University has appointed Brian O’Connor as its new head baseball coach following the dismissal of Chris Lemonis. O’Connor, with 22 years of coaching experience at the University of Virginia, is stepping in during a significant transition for the Bulldogs, which includes a roster change with 13 players entering the NCAA transfer portal. This strategic move signals a commitment to enhancing the program, alongside addressing financial challenges in the athletic department.

Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State University has officially appointed Brian O’Connor as the new head coach for its baseball program on June 5, 2025, following the dismissal of Chris Lemonis on April 28, 2025. O’Connor brings a wealth of experience, having coached at the University of Virginia for an impressive 22 seasons.

O’Connor’s hiring comes at a critical time for the Bulldogs, who are entering a period of considerable change, as evidenced by the significant roster turnover. Within a few days of the season’s conclusion, 13 players from the team entered the NCAA transfer portal, including notable names such as Robert Fortenberry, Kevin Mannell, Jackson Owen, and Steven Spalitta.

The hiring decision reflects Mississippi State’s commitment to investing in its baseball program, which is underscored by O’Connor’s lucrative contract averaging $2.9 million annually. This salary ranks as the second-highest in college baseball, following Tennessee’s Tony Vitello. Athletic Director Zac Selmon emphasized the importance of resources in achieving long-term success for the program during O’Connor’s introduction.

Despite Mississippi State’s investment in athletics, the university’s athletic department operated at a planned deficit of nearly $7 million in the 2024 fiscal year. The baseball program itself has struggled financially, with annual deficits of at least $1 million since 2011. In 2024, the expenses for the baseball team exceeded its revenue by $3.15 million. Addressing these financial challenges will be crucial for the new administration going forward.

In terms of fan engagement, Dudy Noble Field stood out last season by hosting the highest average attendance in the country, with around 11,000 fans per game, despite the team finishing with a record of 36-23. The season saw four of the most-attended on-campus games in college baseball, notably the matchups against Ole Miss and Kentucky.

The introduction of changes to the NCAA’s scholarship structures is also expected to impact Mississippi State’s baseball team. As part of a recent settlement, the scholarship cap for baseball will increase dramatically from 11.7 to 34 scholarships. This change will likely lead to additional expenses for athletic programs and could impact recruitment strategies.

In response to the roster shifts, Mississippi State is positioning itself strategically in the transfer market. Aiden Teel, a Third Team All-ACC selection from Virginia and a standout player who batted .317 with seven home runs and 40 RBIs, committed to Mississippi State just two days after O’Connor’s hiring. Teel is notably the fourth player from Virginia to transfer following O’Connor, joining teammates Tomas Valincius, James Nunnallee, and Chone James.

The incoming coaching staff is focusing on player development and ensuring a good fit within the roster as they prepare for the upcoming season. With the changes within the program and the active recruitment from the transfer portal, Mississippi State is gearing up for a transformative period ahead.

As the Bulldogs look to navigate these changes and financial challenges, the emphasis is clear: there is a strong commitment to enhancing the baseball program through investment and development, which Selmon believes is key to achieving competitiveness and success in the long term.