Missouri to hire Kerrick Jackson as next baseball head coach

Missouri will hire Kerrick Jackson as the program’s next head coach, the school announced on Saturday night. He had most recently been the headman at Memphis but had previously been on staff as an assistant coach.

A familiar face is heading back to Columbia.

“It’s a great honor to come back to the University of Missouri and lead the baseball program,” Jackson said in a statement. “I have seen this program at its championship best and understand both what it takes to get there and the importance of baseball to the state, region and within the Southeastern Conference.

“My family and I are looking forward to returning to a University and community which we love. I am grateful to Desireé Reed-Francois and the search committee for trusting me with this tremendous opportunity.”

Previously, Steve Bieser had been with Missouri. But after missing the NCAA Tournament this past season, the Tigers decided to move in a different direction. While there was an appearance in Hoover at the SEC Tournament, it was not enough to save Bieser’s job.

Missouri has not made the NCAA Tournament since the 2012 season, their final year in the Big 12 before leaving for the SEC. The Tigers have not had too much success in the conference, struggling to play itself as a serious contender.

Now, everyone in Columbia will be hoping Jackson brings something new into the program, with postseason success being the main goal.

“We set out to find a leader of high character with success rejuvenating a program, and we certainly found that in Kerrick Jackson,” athletic director Desireé Reed-Francois said. “He’s a tireless recruiter, fierce competitor and a coach with deep roots in the Midwest. Coach Jackson knows what success looks like in college baseball, specifically at Mizzou.

“He has a vision for success and a tremendous amount of experience at all levels of baseball. I look forward to him building on our traditions and returning us to the national stage. We proudly welcome Coach Jackson, Talia, Zion and Lazarus home to Columbia.”

From 2011-2015, Jackson worked in the program as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. He was there when the Tigers were able to have success in the Big 12. Doing so in the SEC is going to be a different type of challenge but if anyone knows how to have success at Mizzou, it’s Jackson.

Everyone will be welcoming the new baseball head coach back with open arms.