STARKVILLE, MS — In a stunning twist that’s rocking the college baseball world, Mississippi State has parted ways with head coach Chris Lemonis, sending shockwaves through the SEC and igniting a firestorm of speculation. Now, all eyes are on a familiar name rising to the top of the Bulldogs’ wishlist: Auburn’s Butch Thompson.
Yes, you read that right — sources close to the program are confirming that Thompson, a former Mississippi State assistant and current Auburn head coach, has emerged as the #1 target to take the reins in Starkville. And fans? They’re losing it.
“This could be the hire that brings Bulldog baseball back to Omaha dominance,” one insider said. With Thompson’s deep ties to MSU and reputation as one of the sharpest minds in college baseball, boosters are reportedly pushing hard behind the scenes to make this bold move a reality.
Lemonis’ dismissal comes just three seasons after leading the Bulldogs to their first-ever national championship in 2021 — a move some fans are calling abrupt, while others say it’s long overdue after recent underwhelming performances.
Butch Thompson’s return would be nothing short of a homecoming drama for the ages. The former MSU pitching coach (2009–2015) helped craft some of the most dominant staffs in Bulldog history. Now, the idea of him leading the entire program has many insiders calling it the “most SEC move of the decade.”
While Auburn officials remain tight-lipped, reports suggest MSU may be preparing an aggressive offer to pry Thompson away — and with the SEC baseball arms race heating up, anything is possible.
💣 Could Mississippi State really poach an SEC rival’s head coach?
🔥 Will Thompson answer the call to return home?
👀 One thing’s for sure: The Diamond Dawgs are gearing up for a high-stakes reset.
Stay locked in — this coaching saga is just getting started.
