Former Tennessee baseball coach Dave Serrano will not return to Johnson University after building the program to a national contender in NAIA.
Serrano confirmed the decision with a social media post on June 24.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who was involved over the past 3 seasons at Johnson University,” Serrano wrote on X. “These years reminded (me) when you recruit good players, create culture, build a belief from within, along with strong work ethic, anything is possible.
“I now begin a new chapter in my life, supporting and watching my son’s careers begin, along with this wonderful opportunity I’ve taken on with Showball Baseball showcases. I’m not leaving what I love to do in mentoring and teaching, it just won’t be in a dugout anymore.”
Serrano has two sons involved in baseball. Kyle, was hired as pitching coach this week by Jacksonville State, the same role he had at Johnson. Parker, has been a student assistant coach at Tennessee for three seasons. Another son, Zach, works in Knoxville for Axle Logistics.
https://t.co/AmES1B5iLRpic.twitter.com/zISipFshzu
— Dave Serrano (@DaveSerrano11) June 24, 2026
Serrano led Johnson to a series of program firsts in his final season. The Royals advanced to their first NAIA World series after reaching 40 wins for the first time in school history.
Johnson went 3-0 in the NAIA Opening Round to reach the World Series. It lost in an offensive shootout against Southeastern (Florida), 14-13, in its initial game. Tennessee Wesleyan eliminated the Royals with an 11-0 victory in a seven-inning run-ruled contest. Wesleyan went on to win the NAIA World Series.
The Royals went from 5-44 to 24-22 in Serrano’s first season, followed by 36-18. He leaves with a career record of 100-54.
Serrano coached at Tennessee from 2012-17. The Vols went 157-163 during his six seasons, without an NCAA Tournament appearance. Tennessee hired Tony Vitello after Serrano’s resignation.
Johnson led UC Irvine to its first College World Series appearance in 2007 and won the Baseball America’s National Coach of the Year Award in 2009, the same year he led Call State Fullerton to the CWS.
Wynton Jackson covers high school sports for Knox News. Email: wynton.jackson@knoxnews.com
Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks: knoxnews.com/subscribe
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Dave Serrano, former Tennessee baseball coach, leaving Johnson University
