EASTON, Pa. – Tim Reilly, who is in the midst of his third season as an assistant coach, will take over as the head coach of the Lafayette baseball program on July 1.
For three seasons, Reilly has worked as an assistant coach under Joe Kinney, who steps aside after his 21st campaign at Lafayette.
“We are thrilled to name Tim Reilly as our next head baseball coach. After reviewing the impact that Tim has had in his two-plus years at Lafayette, it was clear that he is the best leader for the future of our baseball program,” said Lafayette Director of Athletics Sherryta Freeman. “We believe he has the ability to achieve the continuity and stability that is so critical in building strong programs. We are excited about the Leopards for the 2021 season and look forward to the future years with Tim at the helm.”
Reilly, a catcher during his playing days at Rutgers, has worked closely with all areas of the Lafayette program, including serving as its recruiting coordinator for three seasons. His role has evolved in his time on College Hill, charged with the team’s hitting and catching in his first season before taking over as the pitching coach the past two seasons.
“I want to thank Sherryta Freeman and the entire Lafayette College athletic department for entrusting me with the baseball program,” Reilly said. “I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to lead these players with whom I have built relationships over the past three years. I want to thank Joe Kinney for building such a special program over the last 20-plus years and for his guidance in my time as his assistant.”
“I am extremely happy and excited that Tim Reilly will be the next head coach of the Lafayette baseball program,” Kinney said. “Tim has been a tremendous part of our team for the past three years and has had a phenomenal impact on our recruiting, player development and overall program operation. His experiences have prepared him to be a head coach and will help guide him as the leader of Lafayette baseball. I am looking forward to supporting Tim and the program and am confident he will take Lafayette baseball to new heights.”
Prior to Lafayette, Reilly spent six seasons as an assistant coach at Rutgers. He worked closely with the catchers and helped develop the team’s offensive approach while also serving as the program’s recruiting coordinator.
Reilly’s first collegiate coaching stint came at Rider where he spent one season working with the catchers and scouting potential student athletes. He also had a quick stop with the Monmouth Monarchs, a collegiate summer baseball team based in Middletown, New Jersey in 2012 where he served as the head coach, overseeing all aspects of the team for its summer league.
As a player, Reilly spent four seasons behind the plate at Rutgers, graduating with a degree in Exercise Science in 2009. During the 2007 season, he backstopped the team to a program-record-tying 42 wins and a Big East Regular Season and Tournament Championship.
