Florida Coach Kevin O’Sullivan Takes Leave Of Absence

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Florida coach Kevin O’Sullivan (Danny Parker/Four Seam Images)

Florida head coach Kevin Oâ€Sullivan announced Wednesday that he will take a leave of absence from the program, stepping away just months before what would have been his 19th season leading the Gators. The university did not specify the duration of his absence or provide details on when he is expected to return. The internal expectation is that O’Sullivan will return to the program in advance of the 2026, though, according to a multiple sources.

“I appreciate the support of the University and athletic department, “ Oâ€Sullivan said via university release. “I have some personal and family issues that need my full attention at this time.â€

Associate head coach Chuck Jeroloman was named interim head coach. The 2026 season will mark Jeroloman’s seventh with the program. He serves as the Gators’ hitting coach and recruiting coordinator.

“Coach Oâ€Sullivan has our full support as he takes the time he needs to focus on personal matters,†athletic director Scott Stricklin said via statement. “We appreciate his openness in communicating this decision, and respect his need for privacy.â€

Oâ€Sullivan, 56, has been the face of Florida baseball since taking over in 2008, transforming the Gators into one of the sportâ€s preeminent powerhouses. His tenure has been defined by a remarkable standard of consistency, player development and postseason success unmatched in program history. Florida has reached the College World Series nine times in 17 seasons, capturing the national championship in 2017 and finishing as runner-up in 2011 and 2023.

Under Oâ€Sullivanâ€s guidance, the Gators have also won six SEC regular-season titles (2010, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2023) and two SEC Tournament crowns (2011, 2015). He has produced more than 20 first-round picks and dozens of professional players. Floridaâ€s run of success has made it a perennial national contender, blending elite recruiting with modern pitching development and player performance methods.

Oâ€Sullivan signed a contract extension before the 2024 season that was set to keep him in Gainesville through 2033, marking what would have been his 26th season in charge. The deal elevated his average annual salary from $1.22 million to $1.84 million, placing him among the highest-paid coaches in college baseball. His compensation was structured to increase incrementally from $1.75 million to $1.93 million over the life of the contract, making him the SECâ€s second-highest paid coach behind Vanderbiltâ€s Tim Corbin at the time.

Sullivan was already set to serve a school-imposed three-game suspension to start the season following an outburst aimed at NCAA officials before an NCAA Tournament game. The news of Oâ€Sullivanâ€s leave introduces an unexpected period of uncertainty for a program long anchored by his presence. The Gators were expected to enter 2026 as one of the SECâ€s better teams, with a strong core of returning players and an infusion of transfer portal and high school talent.

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