Texas A&M has reached an agreement in principle with Head Baseball Coach Rob Childress on a new contract extension, Director of Athletics Scott Woodward announced. The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents authorized University President Michael K. Young to negotiate and execute Childress’s contract at its meeting Thursday.
Texas A&M will extend Childress' existing contract, which was set to expire June 30, 2019, by two years through the 2021 season.
Childress recently completed his 11th season at the helm of Texas A&M's baseball program, leading the Aggies to 10 consecutive NCAA Regional appearances, five NCAA Regional titles and a College World Series appearance in 2011. Under Childress’ tutelage, the Aggies have captured two conference regular-season championships and four conference tournament titles.
In 2016, the Aggies enjoyed their most successful run as a member of the SEC, posting a 49-16 mark, including a 20-10 league ledger to finish just one game out of earning a regular-season crown. Texas A&M captured its first SEC Tournament championship, culminating in a 12-5 win over Florida in the title game. The Aggies led the nation with a school-record 13 players drafted in this year’s MLB First-Year Player Draft.
“Rob has demonstrated his commitment to our goal of winning conference and national championships with an SEC title in 2016 and has had his team one game away from the College World Series the past two seasons. Our baseball program is poised to take that next step under Rob’s leadership,” Woodward said. “In addition to on-field performance, Rob has a track record of his student-athletes earning a Texas A&M degree. Has been a great ambassador for Texas A&M.”
During his 11 years in College Station, 22 Aggies have garnered All-America recognition, including nine in the last two seasons. In 2016, five Texas A&M players received All-America accolades.
With seven 40-win seasons under his belt, Childress is 458-238-2 in his 11 seasons at Texas A&M. He has been named conference coach of the year on two occasions.
"I’m extremely thankful for the confidence that the Board of Regents, Chancellor Sharp, President Young and Scott Woodward have in the work we are doing and the direction we are taking Aggie Baseball,” Childress said. “I’m proud of the work we have done here and we’re set up for a great future. I’m excited about the staff and the team we have moving forward. We’re hungry to chase more SEC titles and get back to Omaha.”
The Aggies are currently experiencing one of the best runs in school history. The Maroon and White have played in 10 consecutive NCAA Championships, topping the previous best run of four years. Texas A&M is one of just seven schools to participate in each of the last 10 NCAA Championships. The 99 wins the last two seasons are the most in back-to-back years since 1989-90.
Childress played a key role in the redevelopment of Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park, which is noted as one of the finest collegiate baseball facilities in the country.
