Kevin O’Sullivan takes sudden leave of absence: Florida Gators baseball coach steps away

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Image Credit: UAA

The Florida Gators on Wednesday announced that head baseball coach Kevin O’Sullivan will take a leave of absence from the program, effective immediately. The absence is only explained as being for personal reasons with no further details provided as to his long-term status with the team.

“I appreciate the support of the university and athletic department,” O’Sullivan said in a statement. “I have some personal and family issues that need my full attention at this time.”

Should O’Sullivan return to the Gators, the 2026 season will mark his 19th with the program. In addition to leading Florida to the national championship in 2017, he has been responsible for nine College World Series appearances, six SEC championships, two SEC Tournament championships and 14 first-round selections in the MLB Draft since 2012.

Chuck Jeroloman, who joined the Gators in 2020 and was promoted to associate head coach in 2024, will take over the day to day operations of the program.

“Coach O’Sullivan has our full support as he takes the time he needs to focus on personal matters,” athletic director Scott Stricklin said. “We appreciate his openness in communicating this decision, and respect his need for privacy.”

Florida will play its first of two fall exhibitions in nine days when they hit the road to face Jacksonville on Friday, Oct. 31. it will then host Georgia Southern on Sunday, Nov. 9.

The 2026 season begins in less than four months with a three-game homestand against UAB beginning on Friday, Feb. 13. O’Sullivan is scheduled to serve a three-game suspension to start the season as punishment for a flare-up during the 2025 NCAA Tournament last summer.

UF has only finished over .500 in SEC play once across the last four seasons.