MSU names new head baseball coach

Missouri State University has named a new head baseball coach following the retirement of longtime leader Keith Guttin.

Joey Hawkins, associate head coach who previously played shortstop for the MSU Bears baseball team, has been tapped for the head coach role, according to a news release. Guttin retired following the 2024 season after 42 years leading the team.

"It became apparent to me over the last couple of years that Joey was the obvious choice to replace coach Guttin," said Kyle Moats, MSU director of athletics, in the release. "His appreciation for our program's history and the amount of pride he has in being a Bear will transcend to his recruiting and ability to connect with the community. Joey's experience at the professional level along with his understanding of how the modern college game is being approached were also contributing factors in our decision.”

Hawkins, 31, started as the MSU Bears baseball team's hitting coach and recruiting coordinator in 2021 and became associate head coach a year later. He played shortstop for the Bears from 2012-15, and he's been involved with the St. Louis and Springfield Cardinals as a player and coach. He’s the third head coach in the history of MSU baseball.

MSU has entered into a three-year contract agreement through the 2027 season with Hawkins, with his base salary set at $144,000, according to the release. The MSU Board of Governors must formally approve the contract, which also includes achievement incentive pay for NCAA appearances, conference championships and coaching honors.