Texas baseball coach goes back to Texas A&M days after leaving

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Just days after incoming head baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle brought him to Austin, Michael Earley is headed back to College Station.

Texas A&M named Earley its new head baseball coach Sunday after he initially left with Schlossnagle to be the Longhorns' hitting coach. He was the Aggies' hitting coach for three seasons under Schlossnagle and has tremendous respect among players on the current Aggies roster.

"Michael is a very talented coach and recruiter, but what stood out to me was his character and the relationships he has built with his current and former players," Aggies athletic director Trev Alberts said. "During our interview process, he was really impressive. I think it helps that he knows our current roster, which finished second in the country, and he also knows Aggieland and the 12th Man."

The move could perhaps save the Aggies roster by coaxing players out of the transfer portal. Earley's rapport with them is a huge asset — just look at the X timeline of Jace LaViolette, an All-American outfielder and potential No. 1 draft pick for 2025. He reportedly entered the transfer portal, along with other key players from the NCAA runner-up squad, but could stick around in College Station following Earley's hiring.

At a celebration on Texas' campus to mark the school's entrance into the Southeastern Conference on Sunday, Schlossnagle said he's "super excited for Michael."

"We knew that was a possibility once they went through their process," Schlossnagle said. "Michael is awesome and I'm excited for him."

Earley's departure led to Schlossnagle promoting director of player development and five-time Major League Baseball all-star Troy Tulowitzki to hitting coach. Tulowitzki rejoined the program before last season in the support role under David Pierce in his second tour with the Longhorns.

"We had some conversations over the last two or three days knowing something could happen with Mike, and I felt like we were aligned," he said about Tulowitzki. "From a baseball standpoint, his name and competitiveness and success as a player helps with recruiting, but he's also a really good coach. He brings a lot of toughness and energy to the program."