July 13, 2012

2012 Coaching Changes  

Tanner to become director of athletics at South Carolina

South Carolina baseball coach Ray Tanner (right) has been named director of athletics for the Gamecocks.

Tanner posted a record of 738-316 (.700) in 16 seasons at South Carolina. He guided the Gamecocks to consecutive national championships in 2010 and 2011 before finishing as national runner-up this past season. Tanner took South Carolina to Omaha six times in the past 11 years.

In 25 seasons as a head coach, Tanner has a career mark of 1,033-489-3 (.699).

A native of Smithfield, N.C., Tanner was a four-year starter in the infield at NC State. He was an All-ACC performer as a senior. Tanner was an assistant under Sam Esposito at NC State before being named head coach of the Wolfpack at the age of 28.

Tanner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in recreational administration from NC State in 1980 and a master’s of public affairs, public administration in 1983.

Tanner and his wife, Karen, have two daughters (Gracie and Maggie) and one son (Luke).

The Gamecocks are expected to elevate associate head coach Chad Holbrook to head coach.

(photo by Jimmy Jones)