Mississippi State is on the hunt for its next head baseball coach after parting ways with Chris Lemonis on April 28. With a rich baseball tradition and one of the most passionate fan bases in the country, the Bulldogs are looking for a leader who can restore the program to national prominence. Here are six names that have surfaced in the coaching search:
Wes Johnson (Georgia Head Coach)
Johnson has quickly turned Georgia into an SEC powerhouse, leading the Bulldogs to a Super Regional appearance in 2024 and positioning them for a national seed in 2025. A former Mississippi State pitching coach, Johnson has deep ties to the program, but he recently stated that he has “no plans to venture to Starkville”
Butch Thompson (Auburn Head Coach)
Thompson has deep ties to Mississippi State, having served as an assistant coach from 2009-2015 before taking over at Auburn, where he has led the Tigers to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and two trips to Omaha. While his low buyout makes him an intriguing option, he is considered a difficult pull from Auburn, and his name appears lower on Mississippi State’s list of candidates.
Skip Johnson (Oklahoma Head Coach)
Johnson has led Oklahoma since 2017 and took the Sooners to the College World Series in 2022. With Mississippi State’s athletic director Zac Selmon having ties to Oklahoma, Johnson could be a dark-horse candidate for the job.
Justin Parker (Mississippi State Interim Coach)
Parker stepped in as interim coach following Lemonis’ departure and immediately led the Bulldogs to a series sweep over Kentucky. If he can continue to rally the team, he could earn serious consideration for the permanent role.
Nick Mingione (Kentucky Head Coach)
Mingione spent seven seasons (2009-2016) as an assistant coach at Mississippi State, helping the Bulldogs reach the College World Series Finals in 2013 and win the SEC Championship in 2016. However, his long-term contract at Kentucky, which includes salary increases through 2029, makes it financially challenging for Mississippi State to lure him away.
Josh Elander (Tennessee Hitting Coach/Recruiting Coordinator)
Elander has played a key role in Tennessee’s rise to national prominence, helping the Volunteers win the 2024 national championship and consistently field one of the top offenses in college baseball. While he has turned down coaching opportunities in the past, Mississippi State’s prestige and resources could make this an intriguing option for him
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