Mississippi State Hires O’Connor, Plans NIL Boost

Mississippi State University has hired Brian O’Connor, the highly successful former Virginia head baseball coach, to replace Chris Lemonis following the Bulldogs' NCAA Regional elimination. O’Connor brings a 22-year record at Virginia, including a 2015 national championship, seven College World Series appearances, 18 NCAA Tournament bids, and numerous MLB draft picks. He becomes only the fifth coach since 1947 to leave a national championship program for another prominent job. Mississippi State is reportedly committing significant NIL investments to boost its baseball program and signal its intention to return to national prominence. O’Connor’s departure is a major loss for Virginia, which now seeks a new head coach. O’Connor will be formally introduced at a public event at Dudy Noble Field.