O'Connor is set to be introduced to enthusiastic Bulldogs fans this Thursday at 7 p.m. at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville.

The move comes despite significant efforts by the University of Virginia to retain their esteemed coach. According to sources close to the situation, deteriorating relations between O'Connor and UVA's athletic administration ultimately led to his departure. On Sunday night, it was confirmed that all UVA coaches had cleared out their offices. O'Connor will be joined in Starkville by several key members of his Virginia staff, including Associate Head Coach Kevin McMullen, Assistant Coach Matt Kirby, and Associate AD for Baseball Administration Justin Armistead. However, it appears that Pitching Coach Drew Dickinson will not be making the transition.

Sources revealed that a group of donors and former players had attempted to address the issues that prompted O'Connor to consider leaving for the first time since arriving at Virginia from Notre Dame in 2004. Key concerns included UVA’s initial reluctance to fund 34 full baseball scholarships, instead planning to support only 20, and frustrations with Disharoon Park’s outdated lighting system, which hindered mid-week, nonconference road games more than two or three hours away. Although financial support was eventually gathered, O'Connor had already decided to head to Mississippi State, known for its passionate fan base and commitment to national competition.

In a text message to his Virginia team, O'Connor expressed his gratitude and desire for a new challenge. "I want to thank each of you for your dedication, tireless work, and loyalty during our time together. You and the many players before you have made Virginia baseball what it is, as you have heard me say before – it is the players that make the program what it is. I have chosen to accept this opportunity because I need a new challenge and am excited about this next chapter of my life."

Mississippi State's athletic director, Zac Selmon, praised O'Connor, describing him as one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in college baseball. "Brian O'Connor is a national champion, a Hall of Famer, and a proven leader with a track record of building a championship-caliber program," Selmon stated. "Mississippi State is built to win at the highest level, and Coach O'Connor knows what that takes."

During his 22 seasons at Virginia, O'Connor led the Cavaliers to 18 NCAA tournament appearances, seven College World Series showings, and claimed a national title in 2015. With a career winning percentage of .702, he ranks second among active Division I coaches, earning his 900th career win in March 2024.

Mississippi State’s president, Dr. Mark E. Keenum, emphasized the significance of this appointment for the program. "Brian O'Connor is an elite level coach that aligns perfectly with our elite level program. His past certainly speaks for itself, but his clear understanding of the evolution and future of college baseball is clear. This is a historic day for Mississippi State."

As O'Connor embarks on this new journey, Virginia faces the challenge of finding a new head coach. Potential candidates include University of Washington’s Eddie Smith, Duke’s Chris Pollard, Oregon’s Mark Wisikowski, Oregon State’s Mitch Canham, and Kentucky’s Nick Mingione.