Auburn University announced this week that Nick Ammirati will take over as its new hitting coach, stepping into the role vacated by Gabe Gross, who has moved into a broader athletic‑department position.
A Proven Offensive Architect
Ammirati arrives after a two‑year stint directing the Georgia Bulldogs’ offense, where his unit set program records for home runs, runs scored, RBI and total bases and helped the team capture three SEC championships.
The hire reunites Ammirati with Butch Thompson, his former pitching coach at Mississippi State, and marks the latest chapter in a career that began with a playing stint in the Seattle Mariners organization and five seasons at Kentucky before his recent move to Georgia.
Auburn’s athletic director, John Cohen, praised Ammirati’s track record of developing top‑10‑round MLB draft picks, noting that nine of his former hitters have been selected since 2024.
A Family Affair
Ammirati and his wife, Caroline, are parents to a young son named Banks, a detail that adds a personal touch to a professional transition that has been eagerly anticipated by the Auburn community.
The university hopes the new hitting philosophy will translate into more consistent offensive production and a stronger presence in the SEC, where competition for postseason berths remains fierce.