ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Director of Athletics Dave Brandon announced Tuesday (May 22) that the University of Michigan Athletic Department and head baseball coach Rich Maloney have mutually agreed to not extend his contract, which ends June 30, 2012. Maloney finished his 10th season as head coach this past weekend.
“Rich had several significant accomplishments during his Michigan career, but we agreed a coaching change at this time was in the best interest of the program,” said Brandon. “We appreciate Rich’s contributions and wish him well as he transitions to his next career endeavor.”
“Growing up in Roseville, I dreamed of playing baseball at Michigan,” said Maloney. “Coming to Michigan as baseball coach was a dream come true. I feel privileged to have worked at such a great athletic and academic institution. This decision was one that Michigan and I reached together. It’s a time of transition for the program and time for me to move my career in another direction.”
“I have been blessed to be surrounded by some outstanding players, coaches and administrators during my time at Michigan,” added Maloney. “I appreciate the support that has been provided to me and our program by athletic directors Dave Brandon and Bill Martin and administrators Bitsy Ritt, Greg Harden and Mike Stevenson. Michigan is a special place and I’ve met some incredible individuals who’ve had an impact on my life.”
The Wolverines completed the 2012 baseball season with a 22-34 overall record. U-M was 10th in the Big Ten standings with an 8-16 conference mark. It was the second straight losing season for the program after eight consecutive winning seasons to start Maloney’s tenure at Michigan.
He led the Wolverines to three Big Ten titles, two Big Ten Tournament titles and the 2007 NCAA Regional title. Maloney posted a 341-244 record in 10 seasons at Michigan and has a career record of 597-388-1 in 17 seasons. He was the 2007 and 2008 Big Ten and ABCA Mideast Regional Coach of the Year.
Maloney led U-M to the Big Ten Tournament in seven of his 10 seasons, including a streak of six straight from 2003-08. His teams also made four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances (2005, ’06, ’07, ’08).
“I would like to thank all of the baseball alumni and donors that played an integral role in the stadium project,” said Maloney, who was instrumental in the fundraising initiative to renovate Fisher Stadium. “This is one of the top highlights on my list of Michigan memories and I appreciate their commitment to Michigan baseball.”
Michigan will begin a national search for Maloney’s replacement immediately.
