A pivotal hire for a program in transition
The University of Florida is poised to appoint Oregon State pitching coach Rich Dorman, a move that signals a decisive shift in how the Gators plan to address persistent weaknesses on the mound. The decision comes just days after the school parted ways with longtime pitching coach David Kopp, a change that underscores the urgency felt by athletic director Scott Stricklin and head coach Kevin O'Sullivan.
Dorman's tenure at Oregon State has been marked by dominance in the nation's most advanced pitching metrics. In 2026 his staff posted the lowest ERA, highest strikeout rate, and best WHIP among all collegiate staffs, while also limiting opponents to the fewest hits per nine innings. The unit produced three All‑American pitchers and saw fifteen of its arms selected in the MLB draft, a testament to Dorman's development pipeline.
Florida's own rotation struggled mightily in the recent NCAA Gainesville Regional, surrendering 43 runs and 49 hits across four games and finishing the season ranked 40th nationally with a 4.61 team ERA. Only four Gators relievers managed sub‑4.00 ERAs, including Aidan King and Jackson Barberi, leaving a clear gap that Dorman's proven system could fill.
The hire also brings a connection to the Pacific Northwest, where Dorman worked alongside former Oregon State standouts such as Cooper Hjerpe and Liam Peterson, both of whom have already made strides toward professional baseball. Their experiences could provide the Gators with a pipeline of talent and insight as the program looks to rebound.
If the transition proceeds as expected, the Gators may see a rapid turnaround in performance, leveraging Dorman's emphasis on command, velocity, and pitch sequencing. The move reflects a broader ambition to restore Florida's reputation as a powerhouse in collegiate baseball and to compete fiercely in the SEC and beyond.