Mickey Dean, head softball coach at Auburn, plans to retire at the end of the 2024 campaign.
Head softball coach Mickey Dean of Auburn stated in a press release Tuesday evening that he will retire at the end of the 2024 season, after seven seasons as the program’s leader.
In the release, Dean stated, “I made the difficult decision to step down as the head coach of the Auburn softball program at the conclusion of this season after coming to Athletic Director John Cohen this week after several previous conversations with him.”
The Tigers are currently 2-7 in conference play and have a 15-9-1 record after 25 games in their 2024 campaign.
Auburn’s unsettling start to the year follows the Tigers’ successful 2023 campaign, in which they finished 43-19 and qualified for a top-20 national ranking.
Dean stated, “Although it was a difficult choice, I felt that it was best for the program going forward to allow me to focus time on personal matters.”
Dean joined Auburn in 2017 after serving as head coach at James Madison University for four years, during which time he had a 237-56 record.
Dean has a 206-109 record after six years at Auburn, with three seasons of 40 or more victories and five NCAA regional berths. In addition, seven players who have been named NFCA All-Region, eight All-SEC, one NFCA All-American, and the SEC Freshman of the Year are on his Auburn resume.
Maddie Penta, who is presently in her last season on The Plains, is the first-ever SEC Pitcher of the Year from Auburn, and Dean coached her as well.
Dean declared, “Although I am not from Auburn, I think of myself as an Auburn man because I have a special place in my heart for this institution and community.” “I’ve always wanted to do what’s best for the program and bring it to a place where it can succeed going forward in a setting that puts our student-athletes’ development first. My gratitude for Auburn and the Auburn family is beyond words, and I look forward to serving Auburn in the future.
As to the press release, Dean will remain the athletic director’s special assistant even after he leaves his position as the head softball coach of the university.
Auburn athletic director John Cohen said in a release, “I am grateful to Mickey for his service to Auburn and the care he has for this program and his student athletes.” “It has been clear from our numerous conversations during my time at Auburn how much he values being a member of the Auburn family and is grateful for the chance to lead this illustrious program.” I am aware that he did not make this decision lightly, but in the end, he thought that it was best for Mickey, his family, and Auburn Softball’s future development and success.
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