Brian O'Connor, a 2024 Hall of Fame inductee and the all-time winningest coach at Virginia, was named the 19th head baseball coach in Mississippi State history on June 1, 2025. A proven winner with 917 career victories, seven College World Series appearances and a national title, O'Connor brings a championship résumé and national credibility to Starkville.
"Brian O'Connor is one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in college baseball. He's a national champion, a Hall of Famer, and a proven leader with a track record of building a championship-caliber program. Mississippi State is built to win at the highest level, and Coach O'Connor knows what that takes. From elite player development to consistent success on the national stage, his résumé speaks for itself. He understands the standard here and embraces the opportunity to elevate it even further. This is a defining moment for Mississippi State Baseball and a powerful step forward for our program, our players and our fans."
"Mississippi State represents everything I love about college baseball — tradition, passion and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I've coached against this program and followed it closely for years. The atmosphere at Dudy Noble Field is nationally recognized as the best in the sport. I'm incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead a program with this kind of legacy and fan base. Mississippi State has set the standard in college baseball, and I can't wait to get to work, build relationships and compete for championships in Starkville."
"At Mississippi State, we have a long tradition of success in baseball. The "M over S," the Maroon and White, and hosting postseason in Starkville is woven into the very fabric of who we are and what we expect of our baseball program. Brian O'Connor is an elite level coach that aligns perfectly with our elite level program. His past certainly speaks for itself, but his clear understanding of the evolution and future of college baseball is clear. We are in the pursuit of championships. I am thrilled for Coach O'Connor, our student-athletes and Bulldogs everywhere as this is a historic day for Mississippi State."
O'Connor took over the Virginia program in 2004 and quickly elevated it into a national power. In 22 seasons, he led the Cavaliers to:
O'Connor's seven College World Series appearances are also the third most among active NCAA head coaches. Virginia had made just three NCAA appearances before his arrival. He also became the second-fastest coach in ACC history to reach 500 career wins.
O'Connor has built a steady pipeline of professional talent while developing high-character players prepared to succeed beyond college baseball.
Since 2004 under O'Connor, 97 Virginia players earned All-ACC honors, which is the second most among ACC programs during that span. Cavaliers also received 42 All-America honors and 25 Freshman All-America selections. O'Connor also developed three ACC Players of the Year.
Virginia teams under O'Connor also excelled in the classroom and were regularly honored by the NCAA for academic progress and graduation success.
Hitting Excellence
Elite Pitching Development
Defensive Fundamentals
O'Connor takes over a Mississippi State program with a proud history, a championship standard and the most passionate fan base in college baseball. The Bulldogs have made 12 College World Series appearances and captured the program's first national championship in 2021.
Mississippi State is one of only four programs in NCAA history to reach the College World Series in six consecutive decades. With 40 NCAA Tournament appearances, 12 trips to Omaha, 11 SEC regular-season titles and a national title, the Bulldogs have long stood among the nation's premier programs.
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