CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois University Director of Athletics Jerry Kill announced today that, by mutual decision, Ken Henderson has stepped down after nine seasons as SIU’s head baseball coach. Henderson, who has one year remaining on his contract, will move into a job in SIU’s athletics administration. He has been a part of the Saluki Baseball program as either an assistant coach or head coach since the 1991 season.
“What Ken has done here at Southern Illinois may never happen again. To coach at one place for 29 years, that just doesn’t happen in college athletics anymore,” Kill said. “He has done an outstanding job with our young men. He has worked hard in the community, and his kids have done well in the classroom. In our visits, we just feel that it is time. I look forward to working with Ken in our administrative staff.”
“I am very grateful and blessed to have been a part of Saluki Baseball for the past 29 years,” Ken Henderson said. “I am thankful for all of the relationships that this opportunity has afforded me, and I value the friendships with former and current players, fellow coaches, administrators, support staff and the great Saluki fans. I respect Coach Kill and the things his staff is doing with Saluki Athletics, and I know the future is bright. I look forward to spending more time with my family and plan on staying involved with Saluki Athletics.”
Kill said assistant coaches P.J. Finigan and Seth LaRue will remain on staff until a new coach is hired, with Finigan serving as the team’s acting head coach in the interim.
Henderson was 241-294-1 in nine seasons as SIU’s head coach.
Kill said SIU’s national search for a new head coach is underway.
