BREAKING: Chris Hart announced as next head coach of NC State baseball

Jakob Halbur and Nicole Bharrat • May 22, 2026

Sophomore outfielder Ty Head celebrates with associate head coach Chris Hart during the game against East Carolina at Clark–LeClair Stadium on Tuesday, April 15, 2026. Head went one for five with a homerun. NC State beat ECU 10-3.

Former NC State associate head coach Chris Hart has been named the 17th skipper of NC State baseball following yesterday’s announcement of former head coach Elliott Avent’s retirement.

Joining the staff in 2005 to serve as the program’s Director of Baseball Operations, Hart has taken on a variety of roles for NC State baseball for the last 22 seasons including serving as Avent’s right-hand man for the last 11 of those years.

In a statement released Friday, Hart expressed his gratitude to Avent, McMurray Family Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan and others involved within the baseball program.

“I am thrilled and honored to be named head coach at a place that I love and that has become home,” Hart said. “I want to thank Boo Corrigan for giving me this opportunity and for believing in me to lead this program. NC State is a special place, and this baseball program means so much to me. I understand the standard of excellence that comes with being a part of NC State Athletics, and I’m excited to build on the strong foundation established by incredible leaders like Elliott Avent, Ray Tanner and Sam Esposito.”

Recognized as one of the nation’s top assistant coaches and recruiting coordinators, Hart continues the legacy of accolade-driven coaches leading the Wolfpack as in 2021 he earned the National Assistant Coach of the Year award from Baseball America.

Under his recruiting direction, beginning in 2010, NC State has boasted a top-five nationally-ranked recruiting class three times in 2011, 2012 and 2024. Even without a top-five recruiting class in 2016, Hart was still recognized as one of the top 30 recruiters in the country by fellow coaches across the country through D1Baseball.

It remains to be seen when Hart will officially take over as the Wolfpack sit on the bubble of a regional bid and a possible last hurrah for Avent. Nevertheless, NC State’s future on the diamond is bright with Hart leading the way.

“I’m excited to continue developing players on and off the field, competing at the highest level, and making Wolfpack Nation proud,” Hart said. “Our fans are among the best in college baseball, and I can’t wait to continue building something special together.”

This is a developing story.