Mississippi State baseball coach John Cohen has officially been tabbed as the Bulldogs’ next athletic director, according to an official release from the school.
Cohen, a two-time SEC Coach of the Year, replaces Scott Stricklin as the department’s 17th AD.
“I love Mississippi State University,” Cohen said. “As a student, later as a coach, and now with this fantastic opportunity to lead MSU’s athletics program, this was always where I wanted to be. I am profoundly grateful for the chance to lead the totality of MSU athletics as I have tried to lead MSU’s baseball program – in daily and dogged pursuit of championships at the highest level.”
In July, Cohen was given the title of Associate Athletic Director. He takes over an athletic department that has “recently achieved new heights in athletic, academic, facility and fundraising accomplishments.”
“We conducted an exhaustive national search and in that process interviewed some of the nation’s very top athletic department administrators,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said. “But after reviewing those outstanding candidates, it became clear to me that John Cohen’s undeniable record of aggressively pursuing championships both as an MSU player and head coach positioned him best to continue the dynamic legacy of growth and accomplishment that MSU athletics has enjoyed in recent years. John understands that trajectory and has been an integral part of it – and he can move the Bulldog family forward united.”
The Clarion-Ledger reported last month that the university reached a decision to promote Cohen to replace Scott Stricklin, who accepted the same position at Florida at the end of September.
Tyler Waddell is a member of the Saturday Down South news team. He brings over five years of professional journalism experience and is closing in on a Bachelor's in sports management. Follow him on Twitter (@Tyler_Waddell).
