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(Photo by Eddie Kelly)
Coastal Carolina head baseball coach Kevin Schnall has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in Conway through the 2030 season, the school announced Wednesday afternoon.Â
The news follows Schnall’s historic 2025 debut that further elevated the Chanticleers†national prominence. Coastal Carolina won a nation-leading and program-record 56 games, captured the Sun Belt Conference championship, swept Auburn in a road super regional and rode a 26-game winning streak all the way to the national championship series in just the second Omaha trip in school history.Â
“I want to thank Chance Miller, President Dr. (James) Winebrake, Board Chair Natasha Hanna, and our entire Board of Trustees for their continued trust and support,†Schnall said in a school-issued statement. “I’m honored and grateful to receive a contract extension from an institution that means so much to my family and me. We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished as a program—especially bringing Coastal baseball back to Omaha in 2025.â€
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Prior to the extension, Schnall made $500,000 in total compensation for 2024 after receiving a series of bonuses for postseason success. His base salary entering the season was $367,500, according to The Post and Courier. The university also extended associate head coach Chad Oxendine and assistant coaches Matt Williams and Matt Schilling.
“These extensions and the University’s commitment to our staff and program reflect a shared vision for the future of Coastal baseball,†Schnall said. “Coastal baseball isn’t going anywhere. Our pursuit of excellence and championships continues.â€
Schnall is just the fourth head coach in NCAA history to lead a team to the College World Series in his debut season and the only one to win his College World Series debut. Schnall is also the only first-year head coach to open the NCAA Tournament with eight consecutive wins. His 56 victories marked the most by a rookie head coach in Division I history.
For his efforts, Schnall became the first coach ever to win National Coach of the Year honors in his inaugural season as a Division I head coach, affirming his seamless transition from longtime assistant to program leader.
“We’re thrilled to extend Coach Kevin Schnall and his outstanding staff,” Coastal Carolina athletic director Chance Miller said. “I’m incredibly grateful to President Winebrake and our Board for their strong support and partnership. We’re excited to continue building on our strong baseball tradition with Coach Schnall leading the way for years to come.”
Schnall succeeded legendary head coach Gary Gilmore, who retired following the 2024 season after nearly three decades at the helm and a national championship in 2016. A former Chanticleer catcher under Gilmore in the late 1990s, Schnall joined his mentorâ€s staff in 2001 and, apart from a brief three-year stint away, remained part of Coastalâ€s dugout for more than two decades.
That deep familiarity eased what could have been a tumultuous transition. The programâ€s defining traits—player development, relentless competitiveness and a blue-collar identity—remained intact under Schnallâ€s watch.
“The overall theme didnâ€t change,†former Coastal ace Jacob Morrison said. “Weâ€re selfless. Relentless. Thatâ€s our motto. Schnallâ€s been such a big part of the program even when Coach Gilmore was here. Itâ€s so easy to play for him.â€
By locking in Schnall and his entire staff through 2030, Coastalâ€s administration signaled a long-term commitment to sustained national relevance.
“When [Schnall] speaks,†said infielder Blake Barthol, “it makes me feel like I could run through a brick wall. Iâ€ll do anything for that guy.â€
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