Princeton University announced that Ryan Forrest, formerly an assistant coach at Boston College, will take the helm of its baseball program as the 17th head coach in school history. The announcement comes at a moment when the Tigers are looking to break a drought of NCAA Tournament appearances that dates back to 2016.
Forrest's career has been defined by steady progression. Over 13 years he served as an assistant at Maine, Millersville, the United States Air Force Academy, and most recently at Boston College, where his units posted consecutive seasons of improvement and culminated in a 37‑win campaign in 2026 that ranked among the program's best performances.
A History of Turning Programs Around
At each stop, Forrest's teams posted incremental gains, turning modest records into winning seasons and, in several cases, securing conference contention. His playing background — pitching at Creighton and Maine — gave him a deep appreciation for fundamentals, a trait he has carried into his coaching philosophy.
The Princeton baseball program has struggled in recent years, managing only three winning seasons since 2010 and finishing the 2023 campaign with a 15‑27 overall record and an 8‑13 mark in Ivy League play. The lack of NCAA Tournament participation since 2016 has left the Tigers searching for a catalyst to reignite competitiveness.
What the Tigers Can Expect
Forrest's arrival signals a shift toward a more aggressive development model. He is expected to leverage his connections across New England and the Ivy League, emphasizing recruiting, player growth, and a culture of continuous improvement. The hope is that his proven ability to elevate talent will translate into a resurgence that restores the program's national relevance.
John Mack, a senior administrator in Princeton Athletics, expressed confidence that Forrest's experience and track record make him the ideal leader to guide the Tigers forward. "We are excited to welcome a coach who has consistently demonstrated the capacity to build winning programs," Mack said in the announcement.