Mississippi State University has announced the dismissal of head baseball coach Chris Lemonis, effective immediately. Athletic Director Zac Selmon made the announcement on Monday, citing the program’s recent underperformance as the primary reason for the leadership change. Assistant coach Justin Parker will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.​
Lemonis, who was in his seventh season with the Bulldogs, led the team to its first national championship in 2021. However, the program has struggled since that pinnacle, failing to maintain consistent success. The Bulldogs are currently 25–19 overall and 7–14 in Southeastern Conference play, following a series loss at Auburn.​
“A change in leadership is what’s best for the future of Mississippi State Baseball,” Selmon stated. “We have not consistently met the standard of success that our university, fans, and student-athletes expect and deserve.” Selmon expressed gratitude for Lemonis’s contributions, including the 2021 national title, and wished him well in future endeavors.​
During his tenure, Lemonis compiled a 232–135 record at Mississippi State, with three NCAA Tournament appearances and two College World Series berths. Despite a promising 2024 season, the team’s performance in 2025 has fallen short of expectations, prompting the university to initiate a national search for a new head coach.​
The Bulldogs will look to regroup under interim coach Justin Parker as they host Memphis on Tuesday, aiming to finish the season on a positive note.​
About The Author
