Dec. 1, 2009

Villano Named Head Coach at Western Illinois

Mike Villano, former assistant coach at Central Michigan, has been named head coach at Western Illinois. He replaces Stan Hyman, who passed away this summer after leading the Leathernecks for eight seasons.

Villano worked with the Chippewas for six seasons, serving as pitching coach and recruiting coordinator. He was the hitting coach this past season. CMU was 202-137 (.596) overall and 99-55 (.643) in the MAC in the six seasons with Villano.

Prior to his time at CMU, Villano worked one season as pitching coach at Oakland.

Villano was a four-time all-conference pitcher at Saginaw Valley State. He was selected in the 24th round of the 1994 MLB draft by the San Francisco Giants. Villano played professionally for nine seasons, including a stint in the Major Leagues with the Florida Marlins in 1998.

Villano earned a bachelor’s degree from Saginaw Valley State in 2001 and a master’s degree in physical education from Central Michigan in 2008.

WIU was 13-33 this past season, including 8-16 in the Summit League.

Click here for list of 2009 Division I head coaching changes.