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Morgantown, WV — June 13, 2025
In a stunning and unexpected announcement that sent shockwaves through the college baseball community, West Virginia University head baseball coach Steve Sabins has officially resigned from his post, citing “deeply personal reasons” and “unrelenting program strain.” The news was confirmed by WVU Athletic Director Matt Wells during a hastily called press conference on Thursday afternoon.
Sabins, who had only recently taken the reins as head coach after serving nearly a decade as a trusted assistant under legendary coach Randy Mazey, released a written statement shortly before the press conference began.
> “This decision did not come lightly,” Sabins wrote. “Coaching this program has been one of the greatest honors of my life. But the demands of the job, both on and off the field, have taken a toll that I can no longer ignore. For the sake of my health, my family, and the integrity of the program, I have decided to step away.”
Sabins’ resignation comes just one year into his tenure as head coach. Under his leadership, the Mountaineers finished the 2025 season with a respectable 32-24 record, narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament after a late-season slide. Still, the team showed signs of promise under his stewardship, and his sudden departure leaves a cloud of uncertainty hovering over the program.
According to sources close to the team, tension had been mounting behind the scenes. Injuries, NIL-related frustrations, and increased internal pressure from administration and alumni reportedly created a challenging environment for the 37-year-old coach. One assistant, who asked to remain anonymous, described the atmosphere as “relentless and exhausting,” hinting that Sabins had been carrying a heavier burden than most realized.
Players reacted swiftly to the news, many posting emotional tributes on social media thanking Sabins for his leadership, mentorship, and fierce loyalty. Junior pitcher Caleb Raines tweeted, “Heartbroken. Coach Sabins was more than a coach—he was our rock. This one hurts.”
The university has not yet named an interim coach, though speculation has already begun swirling around assistant coach Jacob Garcia and former WVU standout Jedd Gyorko as potential candidates. Athletic Director Wells stated the university would “act swiftly but thoughtfully” in naming a successor.
> “We support Coach Sabins fully and wish him the absolute best in whatever lies ahead,” Wells said. “He has poured his heart into WVU baseball and leaves an indelible mark on this program.”
Though the full reasons for Sabins’ departure remain personal, his exit is a stark reminder of the growing pressure in collegiate athletics—where success is demanded instantly, and the human cost is often overlooked.
Sabins concluded his letter with a bittersweet farewell: “Once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer. I’ll be rooting from afar. This isn’t goodbye forever—just for now.”
