GAINESVILLE — Florida is without a head baseball coach again following interim coach Chuck Jeroloman’s departure to Tennessee.

Jeroloman had stepped in for Kevin O’Sullivan while he is on a leave of absence for personal reasons, but Tennessee has hired O’Sullivan’s top assistant the past six seasons and the Gators’ recruiting coordinator, a source confirmed.

Jeroloman will join new Tennessee coach Josh Elander, who replaced Tony Vitello after the San Francisco Giants hired him. The Vols won the 2024 College World Series.

Jeroloman’s sudden departure leaves assistant coach Taylor Black and pitching coach David Kopp in charge of the Gators during a 10-inning scrimmage with Jacksonville Friday night at Vystar Ballpark in Jacksonville. Mike Rivera, the team’s director of player development and former UF star, has applied for a temporary waiver to become as assistant coach.

Kendall Rogers of D1Baseball first reported Jeroloman’s decision Thursday night.

Jeroloman, who arrived in 2020 after two seasons at USF, became UF’s associate head coach in 2024. When O’Sullivan announced Oct. 22 he’d step away to address personal matters, Jeroloman stepped in for the Gators’ head coach since 2008.

O’Sullivan is expected to return to his duties. But he will miss opening weekend Feb. 13-15 against UAB in Gainesville while serving a three-game suspension for his obscenity-laced tirade at an NCAA Conway Regional at Coastal Carolina, where the Gators’ 2025 season ended.

The Gators are amid their fall season. UF also will host Georgia Southern Nov. 9 at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/10/31/florida-gators-baseball-coach-chuck-jeroloman/