Arlington, Texas — To lose one assistant coach to the college ranks in one season is rare. To lose two, well, that speaks to the quality of staff manager AJ Hinch has put together in his first season with the Tigers.
Third-base coach Chip Hale has accepted the head coaching job at his alma mater, the University of Arizona, the university confirmed. He will replace Jay Johnson, who had won 30 or more games the last five seasons before taking the head-coaching job at LSU.
Earlier this season, assistant hitting coach Jose Cruz, Jr., returned to his alma mater, as well, taking the head-coaching job at Rice University.