Florida baseball head coach Kevin O’Sullivan is stepping away from the program to address personal and family matters, the university announced Wednesday. His leave of absence takes effect immediately.
Assistant coach Chuck Jeroloman will guide the team in an interim role while O’Sullivan takes time away.
O’Sullivan, who has led the Florida Gators since 2008, said the decision was a difficult one but necessary as he shifts his attention to priorities off the field.
“I appreciate the support of the University and athletic department,” O’Sullivan said. “I have some personal and family issues that need my full attention at this time.”
Gators athletic director Scott Stricklin voiced his full backing for O’Sullivan’s decision, emphasizing both support and privacy during his absence.
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“Coach O’Sullivan has our full support as he takes the time he needs to focus on personal matters,” Stricklin said. “We appreciate his openness in communicating this decision and respect his need for privacy.”
O’Sullivan has built one of the premier programs in college baseball, guiding Florida to the 2017 national championship, nine College World Series appearances and six SEC titles.
Jeroloman, a longtime assistant and key part of the coaching staff, will oversee day-to-day operations until O’Sullivan returns.
The university did not specify a timeline for his return.
