COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M head baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle has been poached by the Texas Longhorns to fill in their head coaching vacancy, according to multiple reports.
The news was first reported by Chip Brown of Horns247 and later confirmed by Kendall Rogers of D1Baseball and Texas A&M insider Billy Liucci, among others.
Schlossnagle's move to Texas reunites him with Athletics Director Chris Del Conte, who was previously the AD at TCU when he held the same title with the Horned Frogs. It also comes hot off the heels of A&M's runner-up finish in the College World Series, where they fell 6-5 to Tennessee in the third game of a thrilling series.
When asked about the rumors of his future in Aggieland following the game by Richard Zane of TexAgs, Schlossnagle fired back, calling the question "selfish" and "unfair."
"I think it's pretty selfish of you to ask me that question, to be honest with you, but I left my family to be the coach at Texas A&M," Schlossnagle said. "I took the job at Texas A&M to never take another job again. And that hasn't changed in my mind. That's unfair to talk about something like that. That would be like you asking (Braeden) Montgomery if he's going to sign in the draft. But I understand you've got to ask the question. But I gave up a big part of my life to come take this job. And I poured every ounce of my soul in this job and I gave this job every ounce I could possibly give it. Write that."
A&M Director of Athletics Trev Alberts released a statement on social media stating: "After our baseball team arrived back in College Station earlier today, Jim informed me of his desire to leave Texas A&M. While we are certainly disappointed, we are grateful for his contributions in helping our baseball program reach unprecedented heights. Baseball success is important to everyone associated with Texas A&M, we will not stop in our pursuit of excellence and our commitment to baseball will not waiver. On behalf of Texas A&M Athletics, we wish Jim and his family well as they move on to another challenge. We will find a great leader and excellent coach to head up this proud Aggie baseball program."
Schlossnagle himself also gave a statement on social media, saying: "I would like to thank General Welsh, Trev Alberts and the 12th Man for an incredible experience during my time at Texas A&M. Although I know many will be upset with my decision, I chose to make a change to join a longtime friend to continue my career as a college baseball coach. The run to the National Championship game was truly a remarkable one this year, and I will savor the memories and true friendships I have made there for a lifetime."
Schlossnagle, 53, was introduced as the Aggies' new head coach on June 10, 2021 after 18 seasons at TCU, eight of which were with Del Conte as his boss. In his three seasons with A&M in College Station, he had a 135-62 record while the Aggies reached the College World Series twice, both times making final four appearances.
According to Chip Brown's report, Texas would have to pay a $2.7 million buyout to A&M, which is double his $1.35 million buyout that other schools outside the state of Texas would have to pay to bring him to their program.
In addition to the hefty buyout, A&M will also need to rebuild their entire baseball coaching staff, as Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Nolan Cain, Pitching Coach Max Weiner, and Hitting Coach Michael Earley will also be joining Schlossnagle in Austin.