As the regular season ended last spring, baseball coaching changes started to come in a flash. Quite a few job openings among HBCU baseball programs came available and a number of schools are still actively conducting job searches.
The 2024 season was the busiest in the last ten years for HBCUs, with more than 41 changes in hiring head and assistant coaches.
Many athletic departments seeking to replace and fill open jobs for their baseball programs are still doing so. However, to get the best kids, a head coach needs the middle part of the summer to fill a roster.
Coaches need an early start committed to what they need, to compete for championships.
Dillard University baseball head coach A. Rashad “Rod” White was brought in during the middle part of Dillard’s schedule this past season. White had the interim tag placed on him after taking over coaching duties from Trennis Grant this past April.
After White took over the coaching duties, Dillard University was 12-4 in the team’s last 16 ball games, ending its season in the Gulf Coast Atlantic Conference (GCAC) tournament. Before White took over the helm, Dillard was 8-23. They finished the season with a 20-27 record.
Not only did Dillard fill the vacancy for a head coach, but White also added a stout staff to the program.
A vast knowledge of the game brings a wealth of coaching and experience to Dillard. White showcased his passion and leadership for the program last season and demonstrated his professional and positive culture.
After the athletic department removed the interim tag in early July, White completed his coaching staff and helped recruit two top-notched Division I pitching recruits.
Coach White’s knowledge of the game stems from developing and implementing strategic plans for team success along with knowledge of college baseball. White brings in experience from working as a remote Major League Baseball (MLB) scout with the National Scouting Bureau.
Rod White has 25 years of coaching, scouting, and sports agent experience. He was a former MLB Associate Scout for the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies, and a former NCAA DI, NAIA, and JUCO coach. White has served as hitting coach and pitching coach at various levels ranging from Independent Ball to DI, NAIA, and JUCO as well as in the Western Canadian Baseball League.
Dillard University’s current coaching staff includes:
Carl Nichols, Associate Head Coach/Hitting Coach: Former Major League Baseball catcher with the Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles. Hitting coach to the Stars-Termar Johnson, TJ White, Arron Hicks, Dom Smith. Former Head of the Compton MLB Youth Academy.
Bob Shelton, Associate Head Coach/Director of Baseball Operations: Former US Senate Floor Sergeant at Arms and Associate Head Coach at Powerhouse Riverdale Baptist and National Travel Team G3.
Malik Blaise: Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator/3rd Base Coach: Former Southern University star infielder and Indy Ball Player. Current assistant coach for the Fredrick Keys in the MLB Draft League.
Neil Ring: Assistant Coach Catchers/OF/ Director of Baseball Analytics: Former NCAA DII player at Spring Hill College in Mobile. After Spring Hill, he played and coached overseas for BSK Lisjaki in Slovenia. Ring was an assistant for the Rocky Mountain Vibes in the Pioneer league prior to joining Dillard.
Juan Palacios: Assistant Coach/Roving Infield Coordinator: Juan is a professional baseball trainer with more than 30 years of coaching experience. He has worked with some of the most talented players in the game today: Carlos Correa, Francisco Lindor, Edwin Diaz, Jesmuel Valentin and Yadiel Rivera, Jackson Merril have all trained with Palacios. Juan has also worked with some local talent like Tyler Blohm.
Coach White made sure to complete his staff early and fill the roster before the start of school and the start of the fall ball schedule. With his staff, he’s got a good thing going at Dillard.