Knight’s Arrival Marks New Era for Tennessee Baseball
The University of Tennessee has officially added Austin Knight to its baseball coaching staff, appointing him as the program’s pitching coach. The move signals a strategic push to bolster the Volunteers’ mound development as they aim for a return to the College World Series.
A Proven Builder of Talent
Knight’s reputation as a developer of elite arms is underscored by his tenure at East Carolina, where he guided the Pirates to five straight NCAA Tournament appearances and secured three conference tournament titles. Under his direction, the staff consistently ranked among the nation’s best in earned run average, a metric that reflects both effectiveness and consistency.
His mentorship produced nine players selected in the MLB Draft, including three first‑round picks. Among them, right‑hander Trey Yesavage emerged as the 2024 American Conference Pitcher of the Year and earned a spot in Game 1 of the 2025 World Series for the Toronto Blue Jays, highlighting the real‑world impact of Knight’s coaching.
Knight’s career spans several programs. He previously served as pitching coach at Louisiana Tech, Little Rock and Ole Miss, where he helped the Rebels reach the 2014 Men’s College World Series. A former player at those schools, he also gained experience in the Cape Cod League with the Yarmouth‑Dennis Red Sox, further enriching his baseball acumen.
The addition of Knight comes alongside the continued leadership of head coach Josh Elander, who expressed confidence that the new staff member will accelerate the Volunteers’ pitching development and contribute to the program’s long‑term success.