On Wednesday, July 17, Brian Nelson, the Oakland University baseball team’s director of program operations, was appointed interim head coach.
The move to make Nelson the interim head coach came just five days after it was announced that head coach Jordan Banfield resigned from the program.
“Oakland will always be home to me and I am forever a Golden Grizzly fan,” Banfield said in a press release. “I leave behind a group of tremendous people and know that the program is in good hands. We’ve proven you can win at Oakland, and I look forward to watching the team achieve even greater success in the years to come.”
Banfield, who coached the Golden Grizzlies the last four seasons and was awarded the Horizon League Coach of the Year in 2022, will take over as the head coach of Cal State University of Bakersfield’s baseball team, competing in the Big West Conference.
“First off, I can’t thank Steve Waterfield and the entire Oakland athletic administration staff enough for this opportunity,” Nelson said in a press release. “I am humbled and extremely grateful. Becoming the Interim Head Baseball Coach for Oakland is truly a dream come true for me and my family.”
Nelson acknowledged the support and trust placed in him and expressed his deep appreciation for the chance to lead the team. He then turned his attention to the foundation laid by his predecessor.
“I want to thank Coach Banfield for everything he has done to help elevate Oakland’s baseball program to places it has never been before. Those efforts have laid a foundation of success that I am excited to continue to build upon.”
Oakland Director of Athletics Steve Waterfield echoed Nelson’s sentiments and expressed confidence in Nelson’s ability to lead the team forward.
“I am glad that Brian will be serving as interim head coach for the 2024-25 season,” Waterfield said in a press release. “I look forward to seeing what the team accomplishes on and off the field under his leadership.”
Waterfield further elaborated on the decision to appoint Nelson, highlighting his track record and rapport with the players.
“Brian has been a staff member on some of the best teams in Oakland University baseball history and has built strong connections with returning and incoming players,” Waterfield said in a press release. “Brian’s connections with the players, familiarity with the program, coaching philosophy and character position the program well for success this upcoming season.”
With Waterfield excited that Nelson will be at the helm for next season, Nelson recognizes the enormous expectations that he will have to deliver on. Notably, the Golden Grizzlies have reached the Horizon League Championship in two of the last three seasons.
“From day one, our expectation will be to compete for Horizon League conference championships,” Nelson said in a press release. “We have a roster full of great ball players and even better people, and I consider myself fortunate to serve them and this university. Exciting times ahead for the Golden Grizzlies!”
While Nelson has assumed the interim head coaching positioning immediately, the Golden Grizzlies’ search for a permanent head coach will start at the end of next season.
