Over the past 30 years, Mississippi State has always promoted from within whenever there was an opening at the athletic director position.

With AD Scott Stricklin reportedly on his way to Florida, it appears the Bulldogs have already identified a candidate currently serving as a coach and administrator.

The Clarion-Ledger’s Michael Bonner reports that baseball coach John Cohen has emerged as the favorite to replace Stricklin.

Cohen has an impressive resume as MSU’s skipper on the diamond, including an appearance in the College World Series finals in 2013. This season, the Bulldogs won a conference title and hosted a Regional and Super Regional.

When Stricklin extended Cohen’s contract in July, it included the title of assistant athletic director.

“During our conversations, he has indicated an interest in working in administration once he has finished coaching,” Stricklin said of Cohen’s new role.

Bonner also notes that Cohen helped former AD Greg Byrne interview Dan Mullen in 2009. Byrne sought Cohen’s approval before making the Mullen hire.

For more on how MSU baseball would be impacted, Bonner’s full story can be read here.