Virginia names Duke's Chris Pollard new head coach

Field Level Media|published: Tue 10th June, 18:02 2025

Jun 7, 2025; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Chris Pollard reacts to Blue Devils play against the Murray State Racers in the second inning. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

One day after Duke lost to Murray State in the Durham super regional, Blue Devils head coach Chris Pollard left for the same position at ACC rival Virginia on Tuesday.

The winningest baseball coach in Duke history with 420 victories, Pollard replaces Brian O'Connor, who took the head coaching position at Mississippi State earlier this month.

"I am excited for this new adventure at the University of Virginia, but I am leaving a big piece of my heart in Durham," Pollard said.

Before taking the helm at Duke for the 2013 season, Pollard began his coaching career at Pfeiffer University (2000-04), then moved on to Appalachian State (2005-12), and has an overall record of 806-614-3.

During his tenure with the Blue Devils, Pollard led the program to four super regionals (2018, 2019, 2023 and 2025) with coaching seven All-Americans and 46 major league draft picks. Duke also won two ACC tournament titles (2021, 2024) under Pollard.

With the Cavaliers, Pollard will have his work cut out for him as several Virginia players have either joined O'Connor at Mississippi State or have entered the transfer portal.

Pollard's entire Duke staff is reportedly set to follow him to Charlottesville, Va., along with Blue Devils recruiting coordinator/assistant Derek Simmons.

--Field Level Media

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