Alabama names Maryland's Rob Vaughn Head Baseball Coach
Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne went in a different direction when it came to who would direct his baseball program. Byrne chose Rob Vaughn, who just completed a very successful six-year run as head coach of the Maryland Terrapins, to be the Tide's head coach. Byrne, who's 35, was named Big 10 Coach of the Year in 2022 and 2023 after leading the Terps to back-to-back Big 10 titles.
"We are thrilled to welcome Rob Vaughn as the next head baseball coach at The University of Alabama,” said Byrne. “I talked to a number of people throughout this process and was so impressed with Rob from the start. He is one of the young, bright talents in college baseball and has done an excellent job leading Maryland’s program. The success on the field speaks for itself, but even more impactful were the conversations with those who have played for Rob. We look forward to welcoming Rob, his wife Kayleigh, and children, Wyatt and Beau to Tuscaloosa.”
Jason Jackson may have gotten from sentimental votes after the job he did after replacing fired Head Coach Brad Bohannon May 4. Jackson led the Tide to a 13-6 record and the program's first Super Regional Appearance in 13 seasons. Jackson will stay on as associate head coach and continue in his role as pitching coach.
“I could not be prouder of the job Coach Jackson did in serving as our interim head coach for the final six weeks of the season,” said Byrne. “He was incredible at managing a tough situation and ultimately leading this team somewhere it had not been in quite some time. He has great relationships with our team, the department, our fans and beyond, and we are thrilled to keep JJ here in Tuscaloosa and elevate him to associate head coach.”
“First off, I’m so very proud of this team and this group of players,” said Jackson. “This team will always hold a special place in Alabama Baseball history.
“My family and I are very happy here in Tuscaloosa. I love this university and I love coaching these players and am excited about the opportunity to continue to be able to do that. Rob has done an amazing job at Maryland and I know he will be a great fit here as well. I’m thankful for the opportunity and look forward to working together. I also want to thank Greg Byrne and the administration for the support of both my family and me and of our program. I know we are all ready to hit the ground running.”
Vaughn comes to Tuscaloosa after spending the previous six seasons at the University of Maryland. He led the Terps to a 183-117 record, including an 84-54 mark in Big Ten play, finishing atop the conference standings in both 2022 and 2023 while earning Big Ten Coach of the Year in consecutive seasons. He was a part of the staff for the three winningest seasons in Maryland history, including the only 40-win seasons for the Terps in 2014, 2015, 2022 and 2023.
“I could not be more excited to join the Alabama Crimson Tide,” said Vaughn. “The culture, the people and the program speak for themselves. Watching the team from afar, I could tell just how special it is, and I cannot wait to get started and help get this group get back to Omaha. The fact that Coach Jackson will be here by my side makes me even more excited because he’s done such an incredible job and will be a big part of what we do going forward.”
“I want to thank Greg Byrne and the administration for this opportunity of a lifetime. My family and I are thrilled for the move to Tuscaloosa and look forward to being part of the community. Roll Tide!”