(Photo by Mississippi State Athletics)
By Chris Marler
Mississippi State’s season may be over, but the Bulldogs aren’t about to fall behind in the relentless SEC baseball arms race. The Bulldogs introduced their new coach Brian O’Connor at Dudy Noble Field. They also announced his new contract that will immediately make him the second highest coach in the league.
— Steve Robertson (@ScoutSteveR) June 6, 2025
O’Connor will make $2.9 million annually for four years. Four years is the maximum allowed for a public employee. His salary will not only be the second highest behind Tennessee’s Tony Vitello, but it will be worth $1.55 million more than former coach Chris Lemonis would have made in his final year.
- Tony Vitello, Tennessee – $3,250,000
- Brian O’Connor, Mississippi State – $2,900,000
- Tim Corbin, Vanderbilt – $2,400,000
- Jim Schlossnagle, Texas – $2,200,000
- Kevin O’Sullivan, Florida – $1,840,000
- Jay Johnson, LSU – $1,793,000
- Mike Bianco, Ole Miss – $1,625,000
- Dave Van Horn, Arkansas – $1,450,000
- Paul Mainieri, South Carolina – $1,300,000
- Wes Johnson, Georgia – $1,300,000
- Butch Thompson $1,275,000
- Skip Johnson, Oklahoma – $1,000,000
- Michael Earley, Texas A&M – $900,000
- Rob Vaughn, Alabama – $900,000
- Nick Mingione, Kentucky – $805,000
- Kerrick Jackson, Missouri – $700,000
