Clemson fires baseball coach Monte Lee

After seven seasons leading the Clemson baseball program, head coach Monte Lee has been fired.

Lee was let go on Tuesday, Clemson Athletics Director Graham Neff announced.

Lee finishes his time at Clemson with a 242-136 record. The Tigers finished 35-23 this past season.

“Monte and his staff have been nothing but professional in their approach to Clemson Baseball, and we appreciate the manner in which they’ve represented Clemson University,” Neff said in a statement.

“The expectations for Clemson Baseball are very high, and the team’s recent on-field performance has not met those of our administration, our coaching staff, our student-athletes or our loyal fanbase. Clemson Baseball is a proud program, and we, as a department, are committed to doing all we can to return our program to national prominence. We will work with our student-athletes to ensure that the transition process is successful.”

The decision to move on from Lee is not a surprise after the Tigers missed the NCAA tournament for the second consecutive season.

Clemson missed the NCAA tournament only once from 1987-2019, before missing it back-to-back years.

The Tigers did not advance to a super regional under Lee but did reach the NCAA tournament every year from 2016-19.

Assistant coach Bradley LeCroy and Director of Operations Brad Owens will oversee the program while the search is conducted.

“A national search for the next head coach will commence immediately,” Clemson announced.

A total of 32 Tigers have been drafted 35 times under Lee. The 35 draft picks are 10th most in the nation and third-most in the ACC from 2016-21.

Prior to his time at Clemson, Lee amassed a 276-145 (.656) record and four berths in the NCAA Tournament in seven seasons at College of Charleston. 

Stayed tuned to ClemsonSports.com for a list of possible candidates to replace Lee.

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