June 10, 2025

Mississippi State University Appoints New Baseball Coach

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News Summary

Mississippi State University has appointed Brian O’Connor as the new head coach of its baseball program after Chris Lemonis’ dismissal. O’Connor, with significant experience from Virginia, is tasked with rejuvenating a program facing financial challenges. His contract is valued at $2.9 million annually. The team, currently in a financial deficit, has seen 13 players enter the transfer portal, signaling an impending roster overhaul. Despite these struggles, the program maintains a strong fanbase with the highest attendance nationwide. The upcoming season appears to be a crucial phase for Mississippi State baseball.

Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State University has appointed Brian O’Connor as the new head coach for its baseball program, succeeding Chris Lemonis, who was dismissed on April 28. O’Connor, who previously led the University of Virginia baseball team for 22 seasons, was introduced on June 5 at Dudy Noble Field in a grand ceremony that underscored the university’s substantial investment in its baseball program.

O’Connor’s contract includes an average salary of $2.9 million per year, making it the second-highest in college baseball, just behind Tennessee’s Tony Vitello. The university’s athletic director, Zac Selmon, emphasized the commitment to enhancing the baseball program and highlighted the necessity of support from fans and stakeholders to achieve success.

The challenges facing the Mississippi State baseball team are significant. The program has operated at a financial deficit, with expenses exceeding revenue by $3.15 million in 2024. This trend has persisted for over a decade, even as the team has experienced past successes. The upcoming implementation of a new revenue-sharing agreement for athletes, slated to begin on July 1, could further increase expenses by as much as $20.5 million annually, compounding the financial challenges faced by the program.

Despite these difficulties, Dudy Noble Field remains a major draw for baseball fans, maintaining the highest average attendance in the country this season, with approximately 11,000 fans attending each game. The Mississippi State baseball team finished the season with a 36-23 record and has a storied history that includes a national championship in 2021, 11 NCAA tournament appearances, and four College World Series participations.

Details regarding the team’s NIL pool for baseball are currently undisclosed, leaving uncertainties about how the forthcoming revenue-sharing dollars will be allocated for the baseball program.

O’Connor’s arrival has already triggered significant changes within the team, as 13 players have entered the NCAA transfer portal, indicating a notable restructuring of the roster. Among those who have recently entered the portal are Robert Fortenberry, Kevin Mannell, Jackson Owen, and Steven Spalitta. O’Connor’s connections to Virginia’s program are evident as Aidan Teel, a Third Team All-ACC outfielder, has committed to Mississippi State, becoming the fourth player from Virginia to transfer since O’Connor’s hiring. Teel had an impressive performance in 2025, boasting a batting average of .317, along with seven home runs and 51 runs scored.

The Mississippi State baseball program intends to remain proactive in the transfer portal, seeking to integrate experienced players alongside promising new talent. As the program adapts under O’Connor’s leadership, the upcoming season promises to be a period of significant transition and potential growth for Mississippi State baseball.