After six years of the same for the Tennessee baseball team, a new face will sit in the dugout next season for the Vols.
On Monday, head baseball coach Dave Serrano informed Director of Athletics/Vice Chancellor John Currie that he will step away from the program following the conclusion of this season.
Assistant coach Larry Simcox will serve as interim head coach as Tennessee begins its nationwide search for a replacement.
Serrano informed Currie of the decision during a conversation Monday night, one that ended on good terms for both sides.
While the move may seem a bit head-scratching for some, Serrano truly feels the decision is what is best for both his players and the university.
“On Monday evening, John and I had what I felt was a very honest and productive conversation about the Tennessee baseball program,” Serrano said. “My decision to step aside at season’s end is based off what I believe is in the best interest of our student-athletes and this program.”
Serrano was very reflective in his statement and expressed sincere gratitude to the city of Knoxville and all who follow Tennessee athletics.
“I have no regrets about taking on this challenge six years ago. It was a job I always coveted,” Serrano said. “My time living in this great community includes some of the best days of my life.”
Serrano, one of only 12 coaches to lead two programs to the College World Series, first arrived on campus in 2011, and the Volunteers are 157-160 during his tenure.
Despite boasting a career record of 446-299-1, and despite pushing the team to its highest overall GPA (3.12) in team history in 2015, Serrano’s sub-.500 record with the program put a cloud over those other accomplishments.
In the statement, Currie uttered nothing but praise for Serrano and his efforts over the past six years.
“This program clearly means a great deal to Dave, and I appreciate that,” Currie said. “He steps away with plenty to be proud of. The program possesses a talented and promising young core.”
From 2012 to 2017, Serrano signed six consecutive top-20 recruiting classes. Last week, he led Tennessee baseball to its highest ever APR score, standing at 979 which is a 45-point improvement from three seasons ago, when the record stood at 934.
On the diamond, Serrano coached 14 players that went on to be selected in the Major League Baseball draft, including first-rounders Nick Senzel, Christin Stewart and Zack Godley.
At the end of the day, however, the only thing that truly matters is wins and losses, and Serrano is well aware of that.
“I’m very proud of what we accomplished with the program internally, but I realize it ultimately comes down to wins and losses,” Serrano said. “I will always be a big Vol fan and will continue to support and cheer on this great university.”
