Auburn taps Ammirati to lead offense
Auburn’s baseball program has named Nick Ammirati as its hitting coach for the 2027 season, a move that brings a proven SEC‑champion pedigree to the Tigers’ lineup. The university made the announcement on Tuesday, highlighting Ammirati’s recent work at the University of Georgia, where he helped the Bulldogs secure both the regular‑season and tournament championships in 2026.
Ammirati’s journey to Auburn includes stints at the University of Kentucky and a playing career at Mississippi State, where he was mentored by current Auburn head coach Butch Thompson. His offensive schemes were instrumental in Georgia’s dominant 2026 campaign, which culminated in a 42‑22 record and hosted NCAA regional and super‑regional tournaments.
Staff reshuffle and future outlook
The hire comes on the heels of Gabe Gross’s decision to step away from coaching, a move he said is motivated by a desire to spend more time with his family. Gross’s exit creates a vacancy that Auburn hopes to fill with Ammirati’s blend of playing experience and coaching acumen. Coach Thompson, who previously worked with Ammirati at Mississippi State, expressed confidence that the new hitting coach will continue the program’s upward trajectory.
Auburn’s recent on‑field success, underscored by a 42‑22 record in 2026 and the hosting of NCAA regional and super‑regional events, sets a strong foundation for the next chapter. With Ammirati now on staff, the Tigers aim to build on that momentum and pursue deeper runs in the national tournament.