University of Akron chooses Tim Donnelly as interim head baseball coach for Zips
Tim Donnelly, who served as an assistant coach for the University of Akron baseball team this past season, will become the head coach of the program on an interim basis, the department of athletics announced.
Donnelly, who came to UA last summer after spending a season at Western Kentucky, replaces Greg Beals, who departed without ever coaching a regular-season game with the Zips. Hired in July, Beals, the former Ohio State coach, will be announced as the new coach at Marshall later this week, according to reports.
At this point, Donnelly's hiring seems like the most prudent given the baseball season begins Feb. 17. He possesses familiarity with the roster that should allow him to hit the ground running.
"It made sense to appoint an internal staff member at this juncture, and we are very fortunate to have a high-quality coach on the staff with Coach Donnelly," director of athletics Charles Guthrie said in a prepared statement. "With the transition challenges that our baseball student-athletes have endured during the last year, we wanted to ensure some continuity in the leadership of the baseball program. "
Donnelly is receiving his first head coaching job.
"First and foremost, I would like to thank AD Charles Guthrie and Deputy AD Markus Jennings for the opportunity," Donnelly said in a statement. "I am excited to lead this group of young men and continue the momentum we generated in the fall. I can't wait for the team to get back to campus and I am looking forward to a great year."
Donnelly is familiar with the area and Mid-American Conference athletics having served as an assistant coach at Malone College in 2005 and as a member of the Kent State staff in 2006.
His most recent stops include Southeastern Louisiana, Middle Tennessee State and Marshall, where he spent 10 years, winning Conference USA Assistant Coach of the Year in 2016.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Tim Donnelly hired as Akron Zips interim head baseball coach
