O’Connor deal shakes up SEC baseball coaching salary rankings

(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.

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— 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.

1. Tony Vitello, Tennessee – $3,250,000
2. Brian O’Connor, Mississippi State – $2,900,000
3. Tim Corbin, Vanderbilt – $2,400,000
4. Jim Schlossnagle, Texas – $2,200,000
5. Kevin O’Sullivan, Florida – $1,840,000
6. Jay Johnson, LSU – $1,793,000
7. Mike Bianco, Ole Miss – $1,625,000
8. Dave Van Horn, Arkansas – $1,450,000
9. Paul Mainieri, South Carolina – $1,300,000
10. Wes Johnson, Georgia – $1,300,000
11. Butch Thompson $1,275,000
12. Skip Johnson, Oklahoma – $1,000,000
13. Michael Earley, Texas A&M – $900,000
14. Rob Vaughn, Alabama – $900,000
15. Nick Mingione, Kentucky – $805,000
16. Kerrick Jackson, Missouri – $700,000

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