Kevin O'Sullivan takes leave of absence from Florida baseball

Kevin O’Sullivan, who has taken the Florida baseball team to the College World Series nine times, winning the NCAA championship in 2017, has taken a leave of absence, effective immediately. In a statement released Wednesday, O’Sullivan said, “I appreciate the support of the University and athletic department. I have some personal and family issues that need my full attention at this time.”

In response, Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin released this statement: “Coach O’Sullivan has our full support as he takes the time he needs to focus on personal matters. We appreciate his openness in communicating this decision and respect his need for privacy.

Assistant coach Chuck Jeroloman will oversee the baseball program on a day-to-day basis until O’Sullivan returns.

O’Sullivan is the winningest baseball coach in Florida history with a 756-371 career record that includes one NCAA championship, two College World Series runners-up, six Southeastern Conference championships, two SEC Tournament championships, nine NCAA Super Regional championships and 10 NCAA regional championships.

From 2015-18 O’Sullivan took the Gators to four consecutive appearances in the College World Series.

During his coaching career at Florida, 116 Gators have been drafted by Major League Baseball and a nation-leading 41 have advanced to the big leagues. Fourteen Gators have been drafted in the first round, most recently Jac Caglianone (2024), who made his Major League debut with the Kansas City Royals during the summer.