O’Connor inks contract extension through 2031 campaign

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

Virginia Director of Athletics Carla Williams announced Thursday that UVA head baseball coach Brian O’Connor has agreed to an extension of his contract. The extension will keep O’Connor in Charlottesville through the 2031 season.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Brian O’Connor leading our program,” Williams said. “He has established a championship program, in every sense and we’re looking forward to continuing that legacy for many years to come in Charlottesville.

“I’m excited every single day I come to Disharoon Park and look forward to the opportunity to sustain this championship college baseball program,” O’Connor said. “The success we’ve had in our time at Virginia is a testament to the university’s commitment, the elite talent on the field, the loyalty of our baseball staff and the dedication of all those who support this program.”

O’Connor has led Virginia to the College World Series seven times in 21 seasons at the helm. All seven appearances have come since 2009 which is the second most of any program in college baseball in that span. The Cavaliers are one of three programs to reach Omaha in three of the last four seasons.

Of the program’s 21 NCAA Tournament appearances, 18 have come under O’Connor’s direction, including 14-straight from 2004-17. O’Connor boasts the highest winning percentage (.704) of any college coach (min. 10 years). His 885 wins since 2004 are the fourth-most of any college program and his 259 ACC wins since 2010 are the most of any team in the league.

O’Connor and his staff have a proven track record of developing talent for the next level. A total of 98 Cavaliers have been taken in the MLB First Year player draft since 2004, including 15 first round picks. A remarkable 31 players have gone to make the MLB debuts.