Michigan's search for a new baseball coach started locally.
It eventually ended up out west, where the Wolverines hired former Arizona State head coach Tracy Smith, the university announced Sunday. Smith replaces Erik Bakich, who led Michigan to five NCAA Tournament appearances and the 2019 College World Series, before leaving last month to take the Clemson job.
Smith was head coach at Arizona State from 2015 until his firing in June 2021. He was 201-155 at Arizona State, with four NCAA Tournament appearances, including the last two.
Smith was 84-45 his last three years, his firing catching many alums and program supporters by surprise.