Who will be the next leader of the UCF Baseball program? Here's a look at a variety of candidates that could be in the mix.
As it stands now, UCF is probably the second-best open position-- if Alabama promotes their interim coach. I'd rank Georgia No. 1 and then I'd argue UCF is a better job than Missouri, which just opened on Sunday. While Missouri is SEC and has the ability to pay more, the Tigers have been a bottom program in the SEC with questionable commitment and poor facilities by SEC standards. UCF, by virtue of being located in a talent-rich state and Big 12 affiliation, should be viewed as a job with better upside and ability to win. That's just my opinion though.
During the Summer 2016 search when Danny White was AD, UCF interviewed five candidates. At that time, I think interviews were conducted at the Orlando International Airport Hyatt. We've come a long way in terms of virtual communication since then, so there's a possibility these interviews could be Zoom. Not sure about that though. Anyway, here were the five coaches interviewed in 2016:
-Former Clemson coach Jack Leggett
-Wright State coach Greg Lovelady
-Florida State assistant Mike Bell
-Bryant coach Steve Owens
-Chipola head coach Jeff Johnson
Leggett was Danny White's first choice. But he had just coached at Clemson for more than 20 years and was entrenched in the area. I think he had young grandkids and his wife didn't want to move. So he declined the offer. Second choice was Lovelady.
In the meantime, Mike Bell eventually got a HC job at Pittsburgh and has been there since 2019. Steve Owens eventually landed at Rutgers in time for the 2020 season. Interestingly, that's when former UCF assistant Ryan Klosterman ascended to the Bryant job. Jeff Johnson remains at Chipola where he is the HC and AD.
As for potential fits, I think head coaches may have an edge. Also, coaches with a strong track record in recruiting Florida.
First off, let's look at coaches with UCF ties who could be considered.
UCF Connections
Jeff Johnson - Chipola HC
Legendary head coach at the JUCO level with multiple national championships that interviewed twice for UCF's past two openings (2008, 2016). Proven winner at the JUCO level who has spent the last 27 seasons at Chipola. Last year, Johnson was inducted into the NJCAA Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Lacks Division I coaching experience which UCF prioritized during those past searches. Would the third time be the charm?
Ryan Klosterman - Bryant HC
Former UCF assistant under both Terry Rooney and Greg Lovelady (2011-19). Obviously familiar with UCF. Served as the hitting coach and primary recruiter during his stint. In his first full season at Bryant (2021) they won the regular season conference championship (27-14-1 overall), but lost in the conference tournament so no NCAA bid. They've since finished with records slightly over .500. In 2022, finished in second place in their conference and fourth place in 2023. No tournament titles yet.
Tough job, so records shouldn't be taken as an indication of how he'd fare at UCF. Highly respected in the state and recruiting circles.
Rich Wallace - Florida State assistant coach
Former UCF player and assistant coach under Jay Bergman. Orlando native. Later was on staff with Craig Cozart at High Point (2009-14) and then Creighton (2015-17) before coming back to Florida as an assistant at Jacksonville (2018-19). Since 2020, he's been "linked" with head coach Link Jarrett at Notre Dame (2022-23) and now FSU (2023).
While at Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish had the nation's second best winning percentage (.729) those three seasons, won the ACC regular season championship in 2021, reached back-to-back Super Regionals for the first time in school history and also advanced to the College World Series (2022).
It was a tough season in Tallahassee, but the new staff was dealt a poor hand in terms of the roster. Wallace has scores of recruiting connections in Florida. He has considerable alumni support. UCF would be a dream job for him.
Andy Barkett - Chicago White Sox hitting coordinator
Former minor league manager and MLB hitting coach who won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2018. After being dismissed by Boston following the 2019 season, Barkett returned home to Oviedo. He joined Greg Lovelady's staff on a volunteer basis for 2020 season. He joined the White Sox organization the following year.
Other UCF names to consider: Chandler Rose (Montevallo HC) and Brandon Romans (Florida Gulf Coast assistant). Both former players, though don't think they'd be in the prominent mix.
Chad Mottola (Tampa Bay rays hitting coach) is not realistic. Kevin Schnall (Coastal Carolina assistant, spent a few years at UCF with Rooney) could have likely had the UCF job in 2016 had he wanted it, but is a Coastal lifer and is considered head-coach-in-waiting (though he's been waiting for a long time).
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And a look at non-UCF candidates.
Current Head Coaches
Rob Vaughn - Maryland HC
Has developed the Terps into a baseball power in the Big Ten. They're about to head to their third consecutive NCAA Regional with back-to-back Big Ten regular season championships. Hosted a regional last year. Played at Kansas State. Makes base salary of $300K and $150K of "supplemental income," so $450K. May have taken Maryland as far as one can.
Mike Bell - Pittsburgh HC
Interviewed for the UCF job the last time around when he was an assistant at Florida State. Has been the HC at Pitt since 2019, which is a tough job being a northern school in the strong ACC. They haven't made a NCAA Regional since 1995. Unclear if he'd be in the mix this time around, though chatter says he's very interested.
Steve Owens - Rutgers HC
Was strongly considered the last go-round when he was at Bryant. Took over a downtrodden Rutgers program in 2020. They hadn't won more than 31 games since 2007 and Owens has done it twice in three years.
In 2022, Rutgers finished with an impressive 44-15 record and second place finish in the Big Ten, yet were snubbed of a NCAA Tournament bid despite a No. 43 RPI.
As a program, Rutgers hasn't made a regional since that 2007 season, but it should be emphasized they really are a lower-tier program - they just got LIGHTS this past season. Local high schools have better facilities. Makes $330K.
Justin Haire - Campbell HC
The HC at Campbell since 2015, Haire will lead the Camels to their fifth straight NCAA Regional. Kendall Rogers has them as a regional host, though due to their subpar facility they are putting in a bid that would utilize the Fayetteville, N.C. minor league ballpark.
Jason Jackson - Alabama Interim HC
The Alabama pitching coach has done a fantastic job since being thrust into the HC on a interim basis following the sudden midseason departure of Brad Bohanon due to a gambling scandal. Many believe he's coached his way into the full-time position as the Tide are in strong position to be a NCAA Regional host. He's from Florida, originally from the panhandle and played at FSU. Also has coaching experience down at FAU. If Alabama passes, definitely worth a look.
Assistant Coaches
Monte Lee - South Carolina assistant
He was the head coach at Charleston (2009-15) and then Clemson (2016-22). Reached the NCAA Regionals his first four years at Clemson, but missed regionals in the two post-COVID years of 2021 and 2022. The Tigers had reached an NCAA Regional for 32 consecutive years prior to that. He was fired by a first-year AD that didn't hire him. He made the move to rival South Carolina this past year where he serves as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator.
Nolan Cain - Texas A&M assistant
Florida native (Pensacola area) and former LSU player.
Mike Clement - Ole Miss assistant
Has been at Ole Miss since 2015. Spent a couple years at Kansas State prior to that. Ole Miss always recruits Florida.
Chuck Jeroloman - Florida assistant
Went to Wellington HS and then Auburn, spent a good deal of time playing minor league ball and has coached around the state at JU, South Florida and now Florida.
Out of the Box Candidate
Joe Girardi - Former MLB manager
One of the biggest names in baseball coaching at any level. Girardi is a four-time World Series Champion with the New York Yankees - three as a player (1996, 1998, 1999) and once as their manager (2009). After a long playing career, he's managed the Marlins (2006), Yankees (2008-17) and Phillies (2020-22). His Phillies stint ended abruptly as he was fired midway through the 2022 season. Currently, he's a TV analyst for the Chicago Cubs.
Has been living in Florida and has a son playing at FIU. Multiple sources have reached out to say he has made it known he has an interest in the UCF opening.
The big question: How would a lifetime MLBer translate to the college game? It's the same sport, but a completely different ballgame in terms of the day-to-day tasks and recruiting.
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This early list is my best guess at some of the names that could be in the running. I will likely be adding and subtracting from this list in the coming days. I'm curious to see who Kendall Rogers puts forth as names to watch.
I'm confident Rich Wallace will get strong consideration and an interview. Joe Girardi, I've been angling for more intel. If he truly is all in, I could see Mohajir being incredibly intrigued. Andy Barkett is a dark horse, but well regarded in the baseball world despite not having the extensive college experience. Like Girardi, it would come down to Barkett's plan. I think Rob Vaughn at Maryland would be an incredible hire, a home run. I've seen some Justin Haire chatter (Campbell coach) for Georgia.
How much money will UCF commit to a salary? Lovelady was making $250K. Lower-tier Big 12 jobs make in the $550K range, but UCF won't see a full revenue share for two more years. I would think they'd be prepared to offer a salary in the $350-500K range depending on the name. An assistant coach would likely come cheaper than a sitting head coach.
As it stands now, UCF is probably the second-best open position-- if Alabama promotes their interim coach. I'd rank Georgia No. 1 and then I'd argue UCF is a better job than Missouri, which just opened on Sunday. While Missouri is SEC and has the ability to pay more, the Tigers have been a bottom program in the SEC with questionable commitment and poor facilities by SEC standards. UCF, by virtue of being located in a talent-rich state and Big 12 affiliation, should be viewed as a job with better upside and ability to win. That's just my opinion though.
During the Summer 2016 search when Danny White was AD, UCF interviewed five candidates. At that time, I think interviews were conducted at the Orlando International Airport Hyatt. We've come a long way in terms of virtual communication since then, so there's a possibility these interviews could be Zoom. Not sure about that though. Anyway, here were the five coaches interviewed in 2016:
-Former Clemson coach Jack Leggett
-Wright State coach Greg Lovelady
-Florida State assistant Mike Bell
-Bryant coach Steve Owens
-Chipola head coach Jeff Johnson
Leggett was Danny White's first choice. But he had just coached at Clemson for more than 20 years and was entrenched in the area. I think he had young grandkids and his wife didn't want to move. So he declined the offer. Second choice was Lovelady.
In the meantime, Mike Bell eventually got a HC job at Pittsburgh and has been there since 2019. Steve Owens eventually landed at Rutgers in time for the 2020 season. Interestingly, that's when former UCF assistant Ryan Klosterman ascended to the Bryant job. Jeff Johnson remains at Chipola where he is the HC and AD.
As for potential fits, I think head coaches may have an edge. Also, coaches with a strong track record in recruiting Florida.
First off, let's look at coaches with UCF ties who could be considered.
UCF Connections
Jeff Johnson - Chipola HC
Legendary head coach at the JUCO level with multiple national championships that interviewed twice for UCF's past two openings (2008, 2016). Proven winner at the JUCO level who has spent the last 27 seasons at Chipola. Last year, Johnson was inducted into the NJCAA Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Lacks Division I coaching experience which UCF prioritized during those past searches. Would the third time be the charm?
Ryan Klosterman - Bryant HC
Former UCF assistant under both Terry Rooney and Greg Lovelady (2011-19). Obviously familiar with UCF. Served as the hitting coach and primary recruiter during his stint. In his first full season at Bryant (2021) they won the regular season conference championship (27-14-1 overall), but lost in the conference tournament so no NCAA bid. They've since finished with records slightly over .500. In 2022, finished in second place in their conference and fourth place in 2023. No tournament titles yet.
Tough job, so records shouldn't be taken as an indication of how he'd fare at UCF. Highly respected in the state and recruiting circles.
Rich Wallace - Florida State assistant coach
Former UCF player and assistant coach under Jay Bergman. Orlando native. Later was on staff with Craig Cozart at High Point (2009-14) and then Creighton (2015-17) before coming back to Florida as an assistant at Jacksonville (2018-19). Since 2020, he's been "linked" with head coach Link Jarrett at Notre Dame (2022-23) and now FSU (2023).
While at Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish had the nation's second best winning percentage (.729) those three seasons, won the ACC regular season championship in 2021, reached back-to-back Super Regionals for the first time in school history and also advanced to the College World Series (2022).
It was a tough season in Tallahassee, but the new staff was dealt a poor hand in terms of the roster. Wallace has scores of recruiting connections in Florida. He has considerable alumni support. UCF would be a dream job for him.
Andy Barkett - Chicago White Sox hitting coordinator
Former minor league manager and MLB hitting coach who won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2018. After being dismissed by Boston following the 2019 season, Barkett returned home to Oviedo. He joined Greg Lovelady's staff on a volunteer basis for 2020 season. He joined the White Sox organization the following year.
Other UCF names to consider: Chandler Rose (Montevallo HC) and Brandon Romans (Florida Gulf Coast assistant). Both former players, though don't think they'd be in the prominent mix.
Chad Mottola (Tampa Bay rays hitting coach) is not realistic. Kevin Schnall (Coastal Carolina assistant, spent a few years at UCF with Rooney) could have likely had the UCF job in 2016 had he wanted it, but is a Coastal lifer and is considered head-coach-in-waiting (though he's been waiting for a long time).
==
And a look at non-UCF candidates.
Current Head Coaches
Rob Vaughn - Maryland HC
Has developed the Terps into a baseball power in the Big Ten. They're about to head to their third consecutive NCAA Regional with back-to-back Big Ten regular season championships. Hosted a regional last year. Played at Kansas State. Makes base salary of $300K and $150K of "supplemental income," so $450K. May have taken Maryland as far as one can.
Mike Bell - Pittsburgh HC
Interviewed for the UCF job the last time around when he was an assistant at Florida State. Has been the HC at Pitt since 2019, which is a tough job being a northern school in the strong ACC. They haven't made a NCAA Regional since 1995. Unclear if he'd be in the mix this time around, though chatter says he's very interested.
Steve Owens - Rutgers HC
Was strongly considered the last go-round when he was at Bryant. Took over a downtrodden Rutgers program in 2020. They hadn't won more than 31 games since 2007 and Owens has done it twice in three years.
In 2022, Rutgers finished with an impressive 44-15 record and second place finish in the Big Ten, yet were snubbed of a NCAA Tournament bid despite a No. 43 RPI.
As a program, Rutgers hasn't made a regional since that 2007 season, but it should be emphasized they really are a lower-tier program - they just got LIGHTS this past season. Local high schools have better facilities. Makes $330K.
Justin Haire - Campbell HC
The HC at Campbell since 2015, Haire will lead the Camels to their fifth straight NCAA Regional. Kendall Rogers has them as a regional host, though due to their subpar facility they are putting in a bid that would utilize the Fayetteville, N.C. minor league ballpark.
Jason Jackson - Alabama Interim HC
The Alabama pitching coach has done a fantastic job since being thrust into the HC on a interim basis following the sudden midseason departure of Brad Bohanon due to a gambling scandal. Many believe he's coached his way into the full-time position as the Tide are in strong position to be a NCAA Regional host. He's from Florida, originally from the panhandle and played at FSU. Also has coaching experience down at FAU. If Alabama passes, definitely worth a look.
Assistant Coaches
Monte Lee - South Carolina assistant
He was the head coach at Charleston (2009-15) and then Clemson (2016-22). Reached the NCAA Regionals his first four years at Clemson, but missed regionals in the two post-COVID years of 2021 and 2022. The Tigers had reached an NCAA Regional for 32 consecutive years prior to that. He was fired by a first-year AD that didn't hire him. He made the move to rival South Carolina this past year where he serves as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator.
Nolan Cain - Texas A&M assistant
Florida native (Pensacola area) and former LSU player.
Mike Clement - Ole Miss assistant
Has been at Ole Miss since 2015. Spent a couple years at Kansas State prior to that. Ole Miss always recruits Florida.
Chuck Jeroloman - Florida assistant
Went to Wellington HS and then Auburn, spent a good deal of time playing minor league ball and has coached around the state at JU, South Florida and now Florida.
Out of the Box Candidate
Joe Girardi - Former MLB manager
One of the biggest names in baseball coaching at any level. Girardi is a four-time World Series Champion with the New York Yankees - three as a player (1996, 1998, 1999) and once as their manager (2009). After a long playing career, he's managed the Marlins (2006), Yankees (2008-17) and Phillies (2020-22). His Phillies stint ended abruptly as he was fired midway through the 2022 season. Currently, he's a TV analyst for the Chicago Cubs.
Has been living in Florida and has a son playing at FIU. Multiple sources have reached out to say he has made it known he has an interest in the UCF opening.
The big question: How would a lifetime MLBer translate to the college game? It's the same sport, but a completely different ballgame in terms of the day-to-day tasks and recruiting.
===
This early list is my best guess at some of the names that could be in the running. I will likely be adding and subtracting from this list in the coming days. I'm curious to see who Kendall Rogers puts forth as names to watch.
I'm confident Rich Wallace will get strong consideration and an interview. Joe Girardi, I've been angling for more intel. If he truly is all in, I could see Mohajir being incredibly intrigued. Andy Barkett is a dark horse, but well regarded in the baseball world despite not having the extensive college experience. Like Girardi, it would come down to Barkett's plan. I think Rob Vaughn at Maryland would be an incredible hire, a home run. I've seen some Justin Haire chatter (Campbell coach) for Georgia.
How much money will UCF commit to a salary? Lovelady was making $250K. Lower-tier Big 12 jobs make in the $550K range, but UCF won't see a full revenue share for two more years. I would think they'd be prepared to offer a salary in the $350-500K range depending on the name. An assistant coach would likely come cheaper than a sitting head coach.
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