Coastal Carolina AD dismisses speculation over Schnall’s future
Athletic director rejects links to South Carolina vacancy, citing contract stability and recent coaching accolades
Coastal Carolina University athletic director Chance Miller has moved to quell speculation regarding the future of head baseball coach Kevin Schnall, stating he does not anticipate the coach leaving for the vacant position at the University of South Carolina. Speaking to WBTW News13 on June 4, Miller emphasised that Schnall remains committed to the Chanticleers, with the immediate priority being roster construction for the upcoming season and a return to the College World Series.
The speculation emerged following South Carolina Athletic Director Jeremiah Donati’s decision on 21 May to dismiss interim coach Monte Lee and two other assistants. The vacancy has drawn attention to Schnall, who was previously named the 2025 National Coach of the Year by Baseball America. Despite reports identifying him as a leading candidate alongside West Virginia head coach Steve Sabins, Schnall has consistently denied interest in the role.
Schnall, 49, was promoted to head coach for the 2025 season after spending the majority of his career as an assistant at Coastal Carolina. His first season in charge saw the team finish as national runners-up, setting a program record with 56 wins and securing both the Sun Belt Conference regular-season and tournament championships. In the current season, the Chanticleers finished with a 37–23 record before being eliminated by Florida State in the NCAA Tournament regionals.
Miller confirmed that Schnall is currently conducting exit interviews with players, indicating a focus on internal team matters rather than external opportunities. The coach holds a five-year contract with Coastal Carolina, a detail he highlighted when asked about the South Carolina opening on 30 May, stating he could not stress enough that he is the head baseball coach at Coastal Carolina.
South Carolina’s search for a permanent replacement follows a difficult period for the program. Head coach Paul Mainieri coached his final game in March after a first season in 2025 that included the worst conference record in program history. The Gamecocks finished the 2026 season with a 22–35 overall record and a 13-game losing streak, the longest for the programme since 1961.
