Gabe Gross Leaves Auburn Baseball After Nine Seasons

Gross Announces Departure for New Role

Auburn Athletics announced Monday that hitting coach Gabe Gross will step down from the baseball staff and join the department as a special assistant focused on athletics engagement. Gross, who has spent nine seasons guiding the Tigers’ offensive lineup, cited family commitments as the primary reason for his move. In a press release he expressed gratitude for his time at Auburn and the support of fans, teammates, and fellow staff members.

Coaching Legacy and Player Development

During his coaching tenure, Gross worked with several top performers, including veteran power hitters Ike Irish, Sonny DiChiara, and Cooper McMurray. He also mentored current Auburn players such as Chase Fralick, Ethin Bingaman, and Mason McCraine. The impact is evident in the draft pool: since 2018, 13 position players have been selected in the MLB draft, highlighted by Chris Rembert (Pittsburgh) and Eric Guevara (Miami) from the 2026 roster.

Auburn’s Hitting Lineup Looks Strong

The Tigers are set to return key contributors to the lineup for the 2027 season, among them Chase Fralick, Ethin Bingaman, Brandon McCraine, Mason McCraine, and Bub Terrell. Recent additions from the transfer portal, Iowa’s Ben Swails and Georgia State’s John Beverely, bring speed and defensive versatility. Head coach Butch Thompson, who hired Gross in 2018, will now focus on filling the hitting coach vacancy before the next campaign.

What the Transition Means for the Program

Gross’s departure marks the first coaching change for Auburn baseball this offseason, but the program’s foundation appears solid. His special assistant role will keep him connected to campus activities while allowing him to spend more time with his teenage sons. Auburn fans will watch closely as the staff builds on the offensive progress achieved over the past nine years.

Family First, Career Next

In his release, Gross emphasized the balancing act between collegiate athletics and family life. He thanked Coach Butch Thompson for the opportunity to coach at his alma mater and praised the Auburn community for its unwavering support. The decision to step away from the day‑to‑day coaching duties reflects his commitment to his family while still contributing to Auburn athletics in a new capacity.