Penn State baseball hires Mike Gambino as new head coach

Penn State has hired its new baseball coach as Mike Gambino is taking over the Nittany Lions program, it was announced Monday morning.

Gambino is coming to Penn State after spending the past 13 seasons as the head coach at Boston College. He is leaving his alma mater to take over the Big Ten program.

“My wife, kids and I are honored and humbled to be a part of the Penn State Baseball program, athletics department, University and the State College community,” Gambino said in a statement. “I couldn’t be more excited to get to work with these young men and develop this program into a national contender and challenge to make the College World Series. We will work tirelessly each and every day to make our alumni, former players and everyone involved in the program proud.”

Gambino led Boston College to the NCAA Tournament three times in his 13 seasons, reaching the postseason in 2016, 2022 and this past season in 2023. This past year, the Eagles finished 37-20. They reached the championship game of the Tuscaloosa Regional, before falling to Alabama.

Gambino is taking over a program that finished 25-25 in 2023. The Nittany Lions have not made the NCAA Tournament since 2000. Previous head coach Rob Cooper resigned in May.

More on Rob Cooper resigning as Penn State baseball coach

As mentioned, Mike Gambino is taking over the Penn State program in place of Rob Cooper, who resigned on May 19. Cooper explained in a release in May why he was stepping down.

“I am beyond grateful for my time as the head baseball coach at Penn State. This is a special place, because of the special people who make it up. My family and I love Penn State,” Cooper said in a release. “While I am disappointed I wasn’t able to get the baseball program the success it deserves, I am excited about the vision Dr. Kraft has for Penn State Athletics, the student-athletes and the baseball program.”

Cooper was in charge of the program for 10 seasons, prior to resigning.

“We appreciate Rob Cooper for all he has done for the Penn State community these last 10 seasons,” Athletics Director Pat Kraft said in a statement. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Rob for not only the commitment he made to our baseball program, but also the way he represented Penn State University with class. I want to thank Rob, and wish him, his wife, Maureen, and his family nothing but the best in the future.”