Mark Calvi, head coach of South Alabama baseball, has promoted pitching coach Matt Hancock to associate head coach. Under Hancock's guidance last season, the Jaguars' pitching staff ranked among the top five in the Sun Belt Conference. Hancock, who has a successful history with the San Diego Padres, previously coached at Troy, where he developed players who achieved notable recognition, including an All-America honor and a fourth-round MLB draft selection.

By the Numbers
  • The Jaguars finished 3rd in ERA with 4.93 in the Sun Belt Conference.
  • They also ranked 3rd in total walks (216), 5th in fewest home runs (52), and 4th in fewest hits (502) during the 2026 season.
Yes, But

Hancock's previous experience includes a mixed record; while successful at Troy, his time with the Padres didn't lead to any major league coaching positions, which raises questions about his long-term impact at the college level.

State of Play
  • Hancock's promotion is seen as a step towards strengthening the coaching staff amid increasing competition in the Sun Belt Conference.
  • Player development is expected to continue to improve under Hancock鈥檚 daily strategic approach.
What's Next

The coaching dynamics for the Jaguars will focus on building upon the pitching successes, possibly enhancing recruiting efforts to bring in more talent. Hancock鈥檚 strategies will be under scrutiny as the 2027 season approaches, with expectations to maintain or improve the pitching stats.

Bottom Line

Hancock鈥檚 promotion reflects his proven track record and the critical role of effective coaching in player development. The Jaguars are betting on his consistency and communication skills to elevate their baseball program.