Ohio Native Justin Haire Named as New Baseball Coach.

Ohio State University has hired a new baseball coach, Justin Haire, who has a strong track record of success. Haire, who won 317 games over the past decade as the head coach at Campbell University, signed a five-year contract with the Buckeyes on Friday.

“We are thrilled to welcome Justin Haire and his family to Ohio State to lead our baseball program into a new era. We had a lot of interest in this position from successful coaches across the country. Coach Haire’s successful career and track record in the NCAA Tournament stood out. His Ohio roots are a great bonus. We believe Ohio State baseball can be a Big Ten contender and make deep runs in the NCAA Tournament under Justin’s leadership.”

Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork

Haire, a native of Hamilton, Ohio, returns to his home state after 17 years at Campbell, including 10 as head coach. At Campbell, Haire led the team to a 317-212 record, five consecutive Big South titles from 2018 to 2023, and was named Big South Coach of the Year four times.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to be named the head baseball coach at The Ohio State University. As an Ohio native, this opportunity is very special to me. We look forward to building a championship-level program at Ohio State, where excellence in both athletics and academics is unmatched. The passion and pride of Buckeye Nation is unparalleled, and we are eager to contribute to the success and growth of Ohio State baseball.”

New Ohio State Head Baseball Coach

Haire is the 13th head coach in Ohio State baseball history, replacing Bill Mosiello, who left after two years to return to TCU as an assistant coach.

Two years ago, Haire was not considering leaving Campbell University. He was focused on leading the Fighting Camels to a Big South Championship and into an NCAA regional. However, when the Ohio State baseball job opened up again, the Hamilton native couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

“I told my wife the night before, ‘Hey, this might be happening,’” Haire told the Columbus Dispatch. “If it is, I think it’s something I’m going to go all in on. I just feel like the timing’s right.”

A week after Mosiello resigned, Haire was announced as Ohio State’s new baseball coach. During his time at Campbell, Haire led the team to 317 wins, five NCAA Regionals, and seven NCAA Tournament wins.

Haire explained that during the interview process, incoming athletic director Ross Bjork was clear about wanting a coach excited about the program and having a vision for its growth. Bjork, with experience at Texas A&M and Ole Miss, was honest about the program’s current standing and resources compared to other top schools.

“A big part of knowing who you are is knowing who you’re not,” Haire said. “Bjork has been in the SEC and understands what it takes to compete at the highest level, even if our resources aren’t the same.”

Bjork, whose tenure as athletic director begins July 1, has already been influential in the hiring of new coaches, including Haire. Haire said this brings good pressure to succeed.

“Of all the people interested in this job, Bjork chose me,” Haire said. “He believes in me, our future staff, and the vision we have for Ohio State baseball.”

Haire held a Zoom meeting with 10 to 15 Ohio State baseball players to check on their well-being and address their concerns following the coaching change. He emphasized the importance of making sure the players know they are wanted at Ohio State.

“It’s my job to assure them that I’m here for their benefit and the benefit of Buckeye baseball,” Haire said. “We need to build excitement and make sure they understand why they are here.”

In the past two seasons under Mosiello, Ohio State had a record of 60-51, winning 21 of their 48 Big Ten games. Haire’s goal is to put together the best possible team, recruit top players from Ohio, and develop a program that leads to professional opportunities.

“We want Ohio State baseball to be a program people are proud of,” Haire said. “We’re committed to leaving this place better than we found it every single day. Today is day one of what I hope is a long and successful career here.”