Delmonico released as UT baseball coach
By UT RELEASE
June 3, 2007
University of Tennessee Athletics Director Mike Hamilton announced Sunday that Rod Delmonico has been released from his contract as the Volunteers head baseball coach. A national search for a successor will begin immediately.
"Earlier today I informed coach Rod Delmonico of my intention to take the baseball program in a different direction," Hamilton said. "I appreciate the job Rod has done for the University of Tennessee. During his tenure, three appearances in the College World Series, a number of great wins and numerous great players have provided our fans with many fond memories.
"In recent years, however, we have lacked the consistency in Southeastern Conference regular season and NCAA postseason play that is expected of all our programs at the University of Tennessee. I did not have a clear indication that would change in the near future.
"We all wish coach Delmonico well in the future, and a national search will begin immediately for a new head baseball coach."
Contractually, the university is obligated to pay Delmonico his annual base salary for the three years remaining on his contract, as well as one years worth of additional compensation for broadcast, equipment, shoe and apparel pay. That total is $430,000 payable over 12 months in equal installments.
Delmonico posted a 699-396 overall record in 18 seasons at Tennessee, including a 263-255 mark in regular-season SEC play.
Couple of things, Delmonico did not letter in baseball at Liberty, rather it was soccer that he lettered in.
As for Tony D. look for him to transfer, if the request was not already submitted, like today shortly after lunch. As for where he goes try Florida State.
Rod D. will be named head coach at FIU with in the next 2 weeks. If not as early as Friday of this week.
As for a replacement, you can talk Tim Corbin, Ray Tanner, all you want, these guys are not leaving to come to Tennessee. Both have had better oppurtunity's as recently as last year.
Also, for you to chew on, Rod was the lowest paid SEC coach at 190,000, the league average is 375,000. Lindsey Nelson is rated as the worst facility in the SEC. Try luring a big name coach with those stats. Talk about wanting something for nothing!!!
Look for UT to look at the following as a replacement:
1. Daron Schoenrock (University of Memphis)
2. Kevin O'Sullivan (Clemson University)
3. Garth Iorg (Would not be a good move)
4. John Pawolski (Coastal Carolina)
5.Todd Raliegh (Western Carolina)
Thanks
Let's make this easier (especially for you)
LINDSEY NELSON STADIUM RENOVATIONS :: The $6 Million Project Includes A Full Reburishment Of The Facility
Now for some names:
Dave Cerrano - UC Irvine - solid program at UCI tha goes to the regionals every year and has TExas on the brink of elimination to advance to Super Regionals, former UT pitching coach
Jim Schlossnagle - TCU - helped build Tulane's program with Rick Jones to surpass LSU, coached UNLV to the regionals two years ago while setting school records for wins (won Mountain West title) and has taken TCU to the regionals the last two years (won Mountain West title)
Gary Gilmore - Coastal Carolina - midmajor makes NCAA every year and has advanced to Super Regionals a few times
John Pawloski - College of Charleston - pitched in MLB, good program at C of C
David Pierce, Rice Top Assistant under Wayne Graham, Lead Recruiter/hitting & pitching coach
Delmonico was the lowest paid coach for a reason...minimal pay raises the last 10 years due to poor performance. Next coach at UT for baseball will get around 225-250.
Thanks for the info adidassler99......why would Garth Iorg be a bad hire......i threw his name out other day...would it be recruiting or what???