Tuscaloosa, Alabama, August 12, 2025
News Summary
The University of Alabama baseball team is set to undergo significant coaching changes as head coach Rob Vaughn promotes Garrett Wood to director of player development and recruiting. Kasen Rainey returns to take on the role of director of pitching development and analytics. Wood, who previously was a recruiting operations assistant, has played a vital role in securing top-25 recruiting classes. Rainey brings experience as a major league pitching analyst, with a strong capability to communicate pitching analytics effectively. These updates aim to strengthen the program ahead of the upcoming season.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama – Coaching Changes Announced for Alabama Baseball
University of Alabama head baseball coach Rob Vaughn has announced significant updates to the coaching staff ahead of the 2026 season. Garrett Wood has been promoted to the role of director of player development and recruiting, while Kasen Rainey returns as the director of pitching development and analytics.
Garrett Wood’s New Role
Garrett Wood previously served as a recruiting operations assistant before his promotion. He is set to enter his third season with the Crimson Tide, having joined the program in June 2023. His contributions have led to the successful recruitment of top-25 classes over the last two seasons. In his new position, Wood will retain his recruiting responsibilities while also overseeing player development, following the departure of Mikey White.
Coach Vaughn has expressed confidence in Wood’s potential as a future star in coaching, noting his remarkable work ethic and selflessness. During his collegiate playing career, Wood played at Johnson County Community College before transferring to Ole Miss, where he captained the team in 2023. Throughout this time, he participated in 70 games and posted an impressive .333 batting average during his senior season. He has two degrees from Ole Miss: one in multi-disciplinary studies and another in intercollegiate athletic administration, both earned within a year.
Wood is married to Whitney Converse, with the couple tying the knot in January 2024.
Kasen Rainey Returns
Kasen Rainey makes his return to Alabama as the director of pitching development and analytics after gaining experience as a major league pitching analyst with the Cincinnati Reds. Rainey previously held the position of director of player strategy at Alabama for two seasons, from 2023 to 2024.
Coach Vaughn has shown confidence in Rainey’s skill to communicate complex pitching analytics in an understandable manner, allowing players to grasp critical information that can improve their performance on the mound. Rainey has also worked at Sacramento State as the director of player development and with Full Count Baseball focusing on college consulting.
He began his career with the Atlanta Braves organization, where he served as a Trackman operator, analyzing data and relaying this insight to players and coaches effectively. Rainey graduated with a finance degree from the University of North Georgia in December 2020. He is married to Caroline Odum, with the couple’s wedding taking place in January 2023.
Significance of the Coaching Updates
The moves come as part of Coach Vaughn’s strategy to strengthen the program as the team works towards the 2026 season. The changes reflect a commitment to developing both players and coaching talent within the organization, as well as maintaining competitive recruiting efforts.
With the integration of analytics in player development, these changes align with modern trends in baseball, focusing on data-driven approaches to enhance player performance. Both Wood and Rainey bring invaluable experience and educational backgrounds that position them well for their new roles within the Alabama baseball program.
About Alabama Baseball
The Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team represents the University of Alabama and competes in NCAA Division I baseball. The team has a rich history and strives to build upon its past successes with strategic staffing decisions that focus on development and performance optimization.
FAQ
Who has been promoted in the Alabama baseball coaching staff?
Garrett Wood has been promoted to the role of director of player development and recruiting.
What position is Kasen Rainey returning to at Alabama?
Kasen Rainey has returned as the director of pitching development and analytics.
What are Garrett Wood’s accomplishments in recruiting?
Wood was instrumental in securing consecutive top-25 recruiting classes for the past two seasons.
What educational background do both Wood and Rainey share?
Garrett Wood graduated from Ole Miss with degrees in multi-disciplinary studies and intercollegiate athletic administration, while Kasen Rainey holds a finance degree from the University of North Georgia.
Key Features of Coaching Updates
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Garrett Wood Position | Director of Player Development and Recruiting |
| Experience | Entered third season, previously recruiting operations assistant |
| Achievements | Secured top-25 recruiting classes for two years |
| Kasen Rainey Position | Director of Pitching Development and Analytics |
| Previous Experience | Major League Analyst with Cincinnati Reds |
| Communication Skills | Ability to explain complex data effectively to players |
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Additional Resources
- Roll Tide: Coaching Changes Announced for Alabama Baseball
- Tide 100.9: Crimson Tide Baseball Staff News
- Patch: Alabama Baseball Promotes Garrett Wood
- Wikipedia: Alabama Crimson Tide Baseball
- Google Search: Alabama baseball coaching changes 2026
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