Mainieri out as South Carolina's baseball coach
Why it matters: A Hall of Fame coach's return falls short, signaling a tough rebuild ahead for South Carolina baseball.
- Paul Mainieri is out as South Carolina's baseball coach after a disappointing 40-40 record, unable to match his College World Series-winning tenure at LSU.
- Mainieri stated he takes "full responsibility for the win/loss record" and that the goal of restoring the program to greatness "has not materialized as quickly as I would have liked."
- Athletic Director Jeremiah Donati confirmed the mutual agreement, acknowledging Mainieri as a "Hall of Fame coach and a world-class individual" despite the team's struggles.
- Monte Lee, a former head coach at College of Charleston and Clemson, has been named interim head coach, stepping in after a six-game losing streak culminated in a 22-6 defeat to Arkansas.
Legendary baseball coach Paul Mainieri, who led LSU to a College World Series title, has stepped down as South Carolina's head coach midway through his second season after failing to replicate his past success. Citing his age and the program's slow progress, Mainieri and Athletic Director Jeremiah Donati mutually agreed to part ways, with Monte Lee taking over as interim head coach.
