STARKVILLE – Mississippi State head baseball coach Brian O’Connor has added another key piece to his inaugural coaching staff in Starkville, announcing the hiring of longtime Virginia assistant Matt Kirby as an assistant coach for the Bulldogs.
Kirby spent the past 14 seasons at Virginia, including 12 years as a volunteer assistant before being promoted to full-time assistant and recruiting coordinator in 2023. Known for his work with position players – particularly catchers and outfielders – Kirby played a key role in developing talent for one of the most consistent programs in college baseball. He also served as the Cavaliers’ first base coach.
“Matt has been a steady and trusted presence throughout my time as a head coach,” O’Connor said. “He’s an elite teacher, recruiter, communicator and innovative thinker who has helped build championship teams. He will pour everything he has into Mississippi State, and I’m glad that he is joining our efforts in Starkville.”
In his first season as a full-time assistant, Kirby helped Virginia reach its seventh College World Series appearance since 2009 and guided the Cavaliers through a late-season surge that saw them win 20 of their final 27 games. Over his 14 years in Charlottesville, UVA reached the NCAA Tournament nine times, captured five regional championships, and won the 2015 national title
