Report: Michigan hires Maryland baseball coach Erik Bakich
Updated story: Official: Michigan names former Maryland boss Erik Bakich as its new baseball coach
Michigan's search for a new baseball coach appears to be over.
College Baseball Daily reported Wednesday, citing multiple sources, that Michigan has hired Maryland baseball coach Erik Bakich to run its program.
The university has made no comment on the coaching vacancy, which came available more than a month ago when the school opted not to renew the contract of coach Rich Maloney.
Kendall Rogers of www.perfectgame.org also reported the hire. Both sites said an official announcement could come as early as Wednesday.
Erik Bakich
Maryland athletics
InsideMDSports.com, a Maryland-affiliated 247sports.com site, reported Bakich had been offered a contract worth up to $400,000. As of 2011, Maloney -- per UM records -- made $190,000 as a base salary.
Bakich, who at 34 is the youngest head coach of any BCS school, spent three seasons in charge of the Maryland program -- going a combined 70-98, 20-70 in Atlantic Coast Conference play. Under Bakich, the Terrapins finished last in the six-team ACC Atlantic Division in each of his three season.
Maryland's record did improve in each of his three seasons, going from 17 wins in 2010 to 32 wins in 2012.
Known for his recruiting prowess, Bakich's first recruiting class at Maryland was ranked inside Baseball America's Top 25.
Prior to his stop at Maryland, Bakich spent seven seasons as an assistant and recruiting coordinator at Vanderbilt -- building Top 25 classes each season.
He played college baseball at San Jose City College and East Carolina before spending one season in the Independent Professional Baseball League.
Bakich's biggest local tie comes in the form of Maryland pitching coach Sean Kenny, a Pioneer High School and Eastern Michigan graduate.
On Wednesday, Kent State coach Scott Stricklin -- who is fresh off a College World Series appearance -- ended any speculation that he might be moving to Ann Arbor, reaffirming his commitment to Kent State.
“I know some of you have been speculating that the coaching staff might be moving on after our historic season," Stricklin wrote in an open letter to fans. "A certain school up North came calling and we decided that Kent State and what we have built here was too good to leave."
Last season under Maloney, Michigan finished 22-34, the second straight sub-.500 record. The program had after finishing with a winning mark in each of Maloney's first eight years.
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
Comments
WWBoDo
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 7:37 p.m.
Brady was a fourth choice, behind the two Harbaugh's and Pat Fitzgerald of Northwestern. But, the point is well taken and, 3rd, 4th or 24th, Brady was the perfect choice! Go Blue.
Wally the Wolverine
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 12:38 a.m.
Pat F? I don't recall his name coming up. Wasn't Ray Schiano somewhere in the mix too?
Veracity
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 7:32 p.m.
Not the usual record or background of a new head coach hire at Michigan so Dave Brandon must consider Erik Bakich to have extraordinary character. Let's hope that he is soon bleeding maize-and-blue and putting together competitive teams with excellent athletes and scholars. Go Blue!
Paul R Lamse
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 12:14 a.m.
As per the article, I believe it was his recruiting ability. If he can do that at Maryland, how much better at UMich. Seriously, no offense meant Maryland.
A2comments
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 7:31 p.m.
He was making $190k base, and now he can make "up to $400k". What's the base? Are we actually more than doubling his pay?
dogman32
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 8:55 p.m.
As of 2011, Maloney -- per UM records -- made $190,000 as a base salary
1959Viking
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 : 7:23 p.m.
Not a bad second choice. Remember Brady Hoke was a third choice.