TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — The search is over. Two weeks to the day that Florida State announced they were parting ways with Mike Martin, Jr., the University has announced their new head baseball coach.
The program's new head coach is Link Jarrett, a Tallahassee native, who attended Florida High before continuing his baseball career at Florida State. He was the starting shortstop on three College World Series teams at Florida State, earning All-America honors as a junior and senior.
FSU Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford said:
“I think that Link is the finest coach in the game today, and that opinion is held by many in college baseball. We could not be more pleased that he will be leading our program. He has been a proven winner at each of his coaching stops. His teams have not only posted historically successful seasons, but they have also mirrored Link’s tradition of running a first-class program. He is well-known for his record of developing players everywhere he has coached. He’s a Seminole through and through and there is no question that he will dedicate himself to the success of our student-athletes and his team. I know he is excited to be returning home and we are just as excited to welcome him and his family.”
Jarrett began his coaching career at Flagler College in St. Augustine. He returned to Florida State in 2003, where he helped the Seminoles to a Super Regional berth. His first head coaching job came in 2012, when he was announced as head coach of UNC Greensboro. In seven seasons with the Spartans, Jarrett was 215-166, leading them to the Southern Conference tournament championship in 2017, and the regular season title in 2018.
In 2020, Jarrett was hired at Notre Dame. He was 86-32 with the Irish, leading them to the College World Series in 2022, a year where he also won the NCBWA Mike Martin Coach of the Year award.
Jarrett takes over a Florida State program that finished this season 34-25.
Jarrett said:
"I’m humbled to become the next Head Coach at Florida State. Having the opportunity to come home and lead this storied program is something I take great pride in. FSU is a special place to our family and I’m excited to be the next leader of Seminole Baseball. Our goals will be simple – to achieve on the field, in the classroom and embrace the FSU family and community. I know the expectations from our fans and we expect to compete for ACC and National Championships."
Jarrett's signed Letter of Understanding was released Friday afternoon.
This letter outlines the terms of his seven year contract term which will last through June 30, 2029.
Some of those terms include:
- Annual compensation breakdown
- $875,000 June 27, 2022 – June 30, 2024
- $925,000 July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026
- $950,000 July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028
- $1,000,000 July 1, 2028 – June 30, 2029
- If coach terminates his employment with the University prior to June 30, 2029 for any reason, coach shall pay to the University, as Liquidated Damages, an amount equal to the following:
- $700,000 if coach terminates his employment with the University in the first Contract Year (i.e. termination on or before June 30, 2023).
- $600,000 if coach terminates his employment with the University in the second contract year (i.e., termination between July 31, 2023 and June 30, 2024).
- $500,000 if coach terminates his employment with the University in the third contract year (i.e., termination between July 31, 2024 and June 30, 2025).
- $400,000 if coach terminates his employment with the University in the fourth contract year (i.e., termination between July 31, 2025 and June 30, 2026.
- $250,000 if coach terminates his employment with the University in the fifth contract year (i.e., termination between July 31, 2026 and June 30, 2027.
- $150,000 if coach terminates his employment with the University in the sixth contract year (i.e., termination between July 31, 2027 and June 30, 2028.
- Coach shall owe nothing to the University under this provision if he terminates his employment with the University in the seventh Contract Year (i.e. termination between July 1, 2028 – June 30, 2029).
- Salary pool of $450,000 for 2 full-time coaching assistants and additional staff position.
- Nike Elite Staff Allotment of $4000 to allocate to himself and other full-time members of his staff.
The letter does state that it "does not contact all of the material terms of agreement."
Jarrett's formal introduction will take place during a press conference on June 27 at 10:30 a.m. This press conference will be streamed on seminoles.com.
