In a remarkable debut season, Texas Longhorns head baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle has been named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Coach of the Year for 2025, a testament to his immediate impact on the program. This accolade, announced on May 19, 2025, marks the ninth time Schlossnagle has earned a conference coach of the year honor in his illustrious career and his first as an SEC coach. Leading the Longhorns to a 42-11 overall record and a 22-8 SEC mark, Schlossnagle guided Texas to an outright regular-season conference championship, defying preseason expectations and cementing his legacy in Austin.
Schlossnagle’s journey to this historic achievement began with his controversial move from Texas A&M to Texas, a decision that sent shockwaves through the college baseball world. After leading the Aggies to the College World Series finals in 2024, Schlossnagle joined the Longhorns, reuniting with athletic director Chris Del Conte, his former colleague at TCU. Despite the emotional weight of facing his former team and navigating a fierce rivalry, Schlossnagle’s focus remained on building a championship-caliber program. His leadership transformed a Texas team picked eighth in the SEC preseason polls into a dominant force, holding sole or shared possession of first place throughout the entire 10-week conference season.
The 2025 season was not without challenges. The Longhorns faced a tough start, dropping their opener to Louisville, but quickly rebounded, roaring to a 19-2 SEC record early in the season. Despite a rough patch, including a sweep by Arkansas and a series loss to Florida, Schlossnagle’s strategic adjustments and emphasis on pitching excellence kept Texas atop the standings. The team’s SEC-leading 2.94 ERA, second-best nationally, showcased the influence of pitching coach Max Weiner, a holdover from Schlossnagle’s Texas A&M staff. Key players like freshman reliever Dylan Volantis, who earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors, and veterans like Rylan Galvan and Will Gasparino stepped up despite injuries to stars like Max Belyeu and Jonah Williams.
Schlossnagle’s ability to navigate adversity, including a depleted roster due to injuries, was pivotal. His decision to bench players like Casey Borba and Will Gasparino for critical mistakes during a loss to Arkansas underscored his commitment to discipline and program-building. Yet, his praise for Texas A&M after sweeping them in April demonstrated his professionalism and respect for the game. This balance of intensity and sportsmanship earned him admiration from peers, who voted him SEC Coach of the Year.
As Texas enters the SEC Tournament as the No. 1 seed and ranked No. 2 nationally by D1Baseball, Schlossnagle’s impact is undeniable. His vision for improving UFCU Disch-Falk Field and fostering a culture of resilience positions the Longhorns for a deep postseason run. With a legacy already etched in Texas baseball history, Schlossnagle’s first-year triumph is a harbinger of even greater achievements to come. Hook ‘Em! 🤘🐂⚾️
