MOBILE, Ala. ? University of South Alabama head baseball coach Steve Kittrell announced Tuesday that recruiting coordinator and pitching coach Jason Jackson has accepted a position at Florida Atlantic University, pending university approval. Jackson had served on the USA coaching staff for the past two seasons.
“Obviously, I am very grateful for the opportunity that I was given by South Alabama and Coach Kittrell,” Jackson said. “Over the past two seasons, I have learned countless things and grown as a coach and for that I owe thanks to the entire South Alabama baseball family.”
“With the outstanding tradition and reputation that South Alabama has in college baseball, they will not have any trouble finding an outstanding person to step in and continue winning,” Jackson said. “Coach Kittrell is one of the most respected men in college baseball and I am very grateful for having the opportunity to work for him. I feel like we have brought in two very good recruiting classes and this baseball program is in a very good position to have an outstanding season. I will miss the entire staff and wish them the best of luck in the future.”
“I want to thank Jason for his time here at South Alabama,” Kittrell said. “He is a tireless worker who is very enthusiastic about his work. He is a young coach with a very bright future and I want to wish him the best. He will be missed by everyone here at South Alabama.”
Jackson heads to Boca Raton, Fla., where he will join newly appointed head coach John McCormack. McCormack took over for longtime FAU head coach Kevin Cooney. Jackson and McCormack have known each other for many years and his recent promotion offers Jackson an opportunity to work with a close friend.
“Coach McCormack and I have known each other for many years,” Jackson added. “I feel that this is a great opportunity to work with a close friend and also get back to my home state of Florida. This is a tough decision because I would have loved to continue to watch the development of our outstanding young players at USA.”
“Jason has my blessing to move on and I know he and Coach McCormack have known each other for some time. This is a great opportunity for Jason,” Kittrell added. Over the past two seasons Jackson has led the Jaguar pitching staff on the field and the USA recruiting efforts off of the field. During his tenure, Jackson has watched his staff combine for a record of 63-52. In his two seasons at USA, Jackson has had three pitchers selected in the MLB Draft. In 2007, Joey Doan was taken, while in 2008, Kevin Nabors and Eric Gonzalez earned the honor.
South Alabama will begin looking for a replacement for Jackson immediately. Stay tuned to USAJAGUARS.com to keep up with all the details.
