Witten Named Assistant Baseball Coach

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Head baseball coach Jim Morris has announced the hiring of Rich Witten to the position of assistant baseball coach.

“I’m very excited to become a member of the University of Miami baseball program,” Witten said. “It’s an honor to be a part of a program with such incredible tradition and such a promising future.”

Witten, who most recently served as director of baseball operations at the University of Central Florida, enjoyed a stellar five-year playing career with Coastal Carolina University from 2007-12. He will work primarily with the team’s catchers.

“I think it’s important to have someone who has caught before – that was one of my main goals,” Morris said. “He graduated cum laude and near the top of his class at Coastal. On the field, off the field, and helping our players in the classroom, Rich will add a lot to our staff.”

The Danville, Ky., native, who registered a career .316 batting average during his time with the Chanticleers, was named to the All-Big South first team in 2012. The two-year team captain earned his bachelors of science in exercise and sport science, and minored in psychology.

“His leadership skills are off the charts,” Morris said. “[Coastal head coach Gary Gilmore] said that Rich has more going for him than any player he has had for the last 25 years. He made a great presentation during his interview, and we’re thrilled to add him to our program.”

Witten went to five NCAA Regionals and two Super Regionals with the Chanticleers, and was named to the All-Regional team twice. He graduated among the program’s all-time leaders in career doubles (50, seventh) and runs batted in (158, sixth), and finished ninth in the NCAA in RBI in his final season (66).

“I’m looking forward to making an impact on the field and serve as a positive influence in the Miami community,” Witten said.