**Mississippi State Hires Brian O'Connor as New Head Coach**

In a swift move following the conclusion of their season in the Tallahassee Regional, Mississippi State announced the hiring of Brian O'Connor as their new head coach, marking him as the ninth person to hold the position in the program's history. O'Connor, who previously led the Virginia Cavaliers, was a top candidate for the job ever since Mississippi State athletic director Zac Selmon decided to part ways with former coach Chris Lemonis in April.

O'Connor, 54, brings an impressive resume with him, having guided Virginia to seven College World Series appearances, including a national title win in 2015. His tenure at Virginia also saw three of his last five teams make it to Omaha, cementing his reputation as one of the nation's most successful active coaches. From 2004 to 2014, O'Connor received recognition as the ACC Coach of the Year on five occasions.

The decision to hire O'Connor comes with clear intentions from Mississippi State. With championship aspirations driving the move, the Bulldogs aim to restore their dominance in the SEC. This is underscored by the high expectations set forth during the hiring process, according to sources close to the program.

O'Connor's time with the Cavaliers began in 2004 and was marked by consistent success. Despite missing the NCAA Tournament this year, he was guaranteed increased resources at Virginia. However, the allure of an SEC opportunity proved too compelling to resist. His contract buyout from Virginia was $800,000.

Mississippi State's program has seen both triumphs and struggles in recent years. Chris Lemonis, who secured a national championship in 2021 and led the Bulldogs to consecutive College World Series appearances in 2019 and 2021, faced challenges that led to his departure. Following a last-place SEC finish in 2022 and another missed postseason in 2023, the decision was made for a change in leadership.

Athletic director Zac Selmon emphasized the program’s prestigious standing within college baseball, highlighting the premier facilities, robust NIL offerings, and a passionate fan base. "Mississippi State is the premier job in college baseball," Selmon stated in April. "Dudy Noble Field is the best environment in the sport, period."

With O'Connor at the helm, Mississippi State is poised to rebuild and aspire for new heights in the coming seasons.