Shawn Stiffler formally introduced as new Notre Dame baseball coach

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame baseball entered a new era on Thursday when they formally introduced Shawn Stiffler as their new head coach.

Stiffler comes to Notre Dame after spending the last ten years as the head coach at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he won 352 games and led the Rams to three NCAA tournament appearances.

The 2019 A-10 conference coach of the year brings many accolades to what he calls his dream job.

“This is a place I’ve always dreamed about,” said Stiffler. “This is a place that has always been in the front of my thoughts.”

Stiffler also made his role within the team perfectly clear when addressing his players in his first press conference as Irish head coach.

“I will never be the centerpiece of this program or the most important part,” said Stiffler. “The program will belong to you guys and I’m here to be a small part of that and to serve you.”

Stiffler is committed to emulating the success of former Notre Dame baseball head coach Link Jarrett, who left to take over as the head coach of his alma mater Florida State after guiding the Irish to their first College World Series appearance in 20 years.