Georgia Baseball Head Coach Scott Stricklin Not Returning in 2023
Georgia’s baseball head coach, Scott Stricklin, will not return for the 2023 season, as announced by the university on Friday. After a decade-long tenure, the decision reflects a desire to move in a different direction for the baseball program. UGA athletic director Josh Brooks expressed gratitude for Stricklin’s service and confirmed that a national search for the team’s next leader will begin immediately.
Mixed Performance in 2023
The Bulldogs had a mixed performance during the 2023 season, finishing with a 29-27 overall record and an 11-19 mark in the SEC. Unfortunately, their season ended on a disappointing note with a 9-0 loss to No. 22 South Carolina in the SEC Tournament.
Acknowledging Challenges
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Stricklin acknowledged that it was a challenging year that fell short of expectations. Taking responsibility as the head coach, he reiterated his dedication to upholding the program’s high standards and recognized the urgent need for improvement.
Stricklin’s Tenure and Achievements
During Stricklin’s time at the helm, the Bulldogs compiled an overall record of 299-236-1 and a conference record of 121-146-1. The team earned NCAA tournament invitations in 2018, 2019, and 2022, but unfortunately, they did not advance past the first weekend of the NCAA Regionals, despite hosting two of those appearances.
Postseason Struggles
Notably, all of Georgia’s postseason appearances under Stricklin ended in defeats against schools from the ACC. The Bulldogs lost to Duke in 2018, Florida State in 2019, and North Carolina in 2020.
Highlights from Successful Seasons
In 2018, the Bulldogs made a strong return to the national spotlight, finishing with a 39-21 overall record and hosting a regional in Athens. However, they were ultimately eliminated by Duke in the final round of that regional.
The following year, Georgia showcased a talented roster, achieving an impressive 46-17 overall record and setting a program record with 21 conference wins. Sadly, they faced a formidable Florida State team, led by renowned head coach Mike Martin, and were swept in the Athens Regional final.
Looking Ahead
As Georgia seeks to chart a new course for its baseball program, the university will focus on identifying a suitable candidate to lead the team forward. The upcoming search aims to find someone who can build on the program’s legacy and drive future success.
