Florida Gators baseball has appointed Rich Dorman as the new pitching coach, replacing David Kopp following the team's abrupt exit from the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Kevin O鈥橲ullivan endorsed Dorman as a highly regarded pitching expert with significant accomplishments in college baseball. Dorman, who previously contributed to Oregon State's success, is expected to enhance the Gators' pitching program, providing elite development tools for players.

By the Numbers
  • Dorman's Oregon State staff led the nation in ERA with 3.22.
  • His team allowed just 6.94 hits per nine innings and had a WHIP of 1.14.
  • Oregon State ranked second nationally in strikeout-to-walk ratio at 3.55.
  • In 2026, the Gators experienced a pitching slump, with Aidan King giving up 6 earned runs in 3 innings against Miami.
Yes, But

While Dorman has a strong track record, Kopp's dismissal raises questions about the team dynamics and future performance following a disappointing NCAA Tournament outcome.

State of Play
  • The Gators finished their 2026 season after losing two games to Troy in the Gainesville Regional.
  • Florida had a challenging year on the mound, impacting their postseason aspirations.
What's Next

With Dorman's arrival, expectations will rise for the Gators to develop their pitching talent effectively, aiming for a stronger performance in the 2027 season and beyond.

Bottom Line

Dorman's hiring signals a commitment to improving Florida's pitching staff, addressing recent struggles, and enhancing the overall competitiveness of the Gators program.