SDSU Parts Ways with Head Baseball Coach Shaun Cole

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SDSU baseball field is in need of maintenance and updates.

News Summary

San Diego State University has decided to part ways with head baseball coach Shaun Cole after two unsatisfactory seasons. Under Cole’s leadership, the Aztecs posted a disappointing overall record of 37 wins against 76 losses. The program is now searching for a new coach as it prepares to transition to the Pac-12 Conference. Concerns have also been raised about the SDSU baseball facilities and scholarship opportunities, which could impact the recruitment of top coaching talent.

San Diego – San Diego State University (SDSU) has decided to part ways with head baseball coach Shaun Cole after a pair of unsatisfactory seasons. Athletics Director John David Wicker announced that a change in leadership was deemed necessary for the future success of the program.

During Cole’s two-year tenure, his teams compiled an overall record of 37 wins and 76 losses. The 2025 season saw the Aztecs finish with a 20-39 overall record and a 14-16 mark in the Mountain West Conference, where they did qualify for the conference tournament but suffered defeats in both games.

In 2024, Cole led the team to a disappointing 17-37 record, placing them last in the conference. Cole’s recent struggles followed his promotion to head coach, which occurred after the retirement of Mark Martinez, who had a successful nine-year run, including three NCAA tournament appearances in his first four seasons.

With the coaching change, SDSU is now embarking on a national search for Cole’s successor. The university has stated that this search will be deliberate and thorough to ensure the right fit for the program.

The timing of this announcement coincides with the recent opening of the transfer portal, which has prompted at least eight SDSU players to express interest in transferring from the program. Among the players entering the portal are significant contributors such as Marko Sipila (4-3, 3.91 ERA, 74 SO), Nevan Noonan (.356, 9 HR, 52 RBIs), Finley Bates (.300, 23 RBIs), Jake Jackson (.249, 4 HR, 31 RBIs), CJ Moran (.377, 36 RBIs), and Daniel Arambula (.304, 37 RBIs). Jackson has expressed a desire to return to SDSU, emphasizing the strong connections he has with his teammates.

SDSU baseball is preparing for a significant transition as the program is set to move to the reconstituted Pac-12 Conference after one more year in the Mountain West. This shift may influence the coaching search, as the university may prioritize regional candidates to address salary expectations and the high cost of living in San Diego.

Potential candidates for the head coaching position are already being discussed within the athletic department. Names that have surfaced include Rich Hill from Hawaii, Rusty Filter from Santa Clara, Brock Ungricht from the University of San Diego, and Gary Henderson from Utah. The search committee is expected to consider each candidate’s experience and compatibility with the university’s goals and vision for the baseball program.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the SDSU baseball program’s facilities and scholarships, which may hinder its ability to attract top-tier coaching talent. Tony Gwynn Stadium, once a premier venue for college baseball, has begun to show signs of age and deferred maintenance. To remain competitive in recruiting high-caliber coaches, salaries for the new head coach might need to see a significant increase from Cole’s reported earnings of $120,000.

As this transition unfolds, SDSU’s baseball program is at a crossroads, seeking to rejuvenate its direction and ambition following two challenging seasons under Cole’s leadership. The outcome of the coaching search will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of Aztec baseball as it prepares for its new chapter in the Pac-12 Conference.