GAINESVILLE, Fla. — With head coach Kevin O'Sullivan taking a leave of absence and interim Chuck Jeroloman leaving for Tennessee, Florida hired Tom Slater as associate and interim head coach on Friday.
Slater, 57, most recently worked in player development with the Philadelphia Phillies. Prior to that, he was a senior advisor/minor league hitting coordinator for the Miami Marlins (2021-2024).
He also served as head coach at Auburn (2005 to 2008) and VMI (2001 to 2003), in addition to assistant coaching roles in the Southeastern Conference at Florida (2004) and Auburn (1995 to 2000).
“Tom Slater brings a wealth of experience, leadership and deep ties to Gator to this position,” Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin said. “With more than three decades in college and professional baseball, including extensive experience in the SEC, he has earned universal respect throughout the game.”
O'Sullivan took a leave of absence last week to address personal matters. Jeroloman took over and then left Thursday to join new coach Josh Elander's staff at Tennessee.
O'Sullivan is the program's wins leader with a record of 756-371 (.671) in 18 seasons. He has led the Gators to 17 NCAA regionals, nine College World Series appearances, six SEC championships and the 2017 national title.
