Texas A&M Baseball Coaching Candidates: Top 5 Jim Schlossnagle replacements for Aggies in 2024
The Texas A&M Aggies find themselves in a difficult situation following coach Jim Schlossnagle's decision to join the Texas Longhorns, their fiercest rivals. The need to fill one of the most attractive roles in college baseball will be the first challenge for their new Director of Athletics, Trev Alberts.
Here is a look at five coaches the Aggies could target as Schlossnagle's replacement for the upcoming season.
5 coaches who Texas A&M baseball could target for head coach role
#1. Tim Corbin
Corbin endured a difficult season with the Vanderbilt Commodores this year. They were one of five teams to finish 13-17 in the SEC regular season and were eliminated from the postseason after suffering a shock defeat to NCAA Tournament debutants High Point Panthers in the Clemson Regional.
He has been loyal to the Commodores for 22 seasons and signed an extension in December 2021 that made him the highest-paid college baseball coach. The Aggies could benefit from the two-time College World Series winner's immense experience, but will likely have to make a major splash to convince him to leave Nashville.
#2. Nick Mingione
Mingione has transformed the Kentucky Wildcats in eight seasons, leading them to their maiden College World Series appearance this season. They tied the Volunteers for the SEC regular season title while achieving their highest seeding for the postseason (No. 2).
Given Mingione's close relationship with the Wildcats, Alberts would need to make an offer he cannot refuse to draw him to College Station.
#3. Tom Walter
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons coach has made the program a solid force in the ACC. With 458 wins, he is their winningest coach and has forged a reputation for creating MLB draft-worthy talents, with Chase Burns and Nick Kurtz carrying that reputation forward this season.
However, he signed a long-term contract extension last season, meaning a massive offer from the Aggies would be necessary.
#4. Chris Lemonis
The 2021 College World Series winner led the Mississippi State Bulldogs to the postseason this year for the first time since that famous win in Omaha. Although the Bulldogs didn't quite find top gear this season, Lemonis' experience in managing big expectations could see him fill in for the Aggies quite well.
#5. Will Bolt
Alberts' move from Lincoln, Nebraska to College Station could see him bring Bolt into the fold. The Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach led the team to a surprising win in the Big Ten Tournament, clinching the title for the first time in nearly two decades. In addition, they also made the postseason this year for the first time since 2021.
It will be interesting to see who the Texas A&M Aggies choose to lead the team moving forward.