Athletic Director Jeremiah Donati Explains Thoughtful Decision to Retain Paul Mainieri as USC Baseball Coach Despite Recent Struggles

USC Athletic Director Jeremiah Donati faced a barrage of questions and speculation this spring as the Trojans baseball program trudged through another uneven season. While the team showed flashes of brilliance, inconsistency, mounting injuries, and underwhelming results left many fans and alumni wondering whether a coaching change was inevitable. But as the dust settled on the 2025 campaign, Donati made a decisive and somewhat surprising announcement: Paul Mainieri would return as head coach for the 2026 season.

It was not a decision made lightly. Donati, known for his deliberate and data-driven approach to leadership, addressed the media in a candid press conference where he laid out the rationale behind retaining the 67-year-old Mainieri, a College World Series champion and one of the most respected minds in the sport.

“Paul Mainieri’s record speaks for itself,” Donati said. “But this decision was never just about past accomplishments. It was about where we are now, where we’re going, and who is best equipped to lead us there. After a comprehensive evaluation of the season, the program’s culture, and the direction we’re headed, I am confident that Coach Mainieri remains the right person to lead USC baseball.”

Mainieri, who came out of retirement in 2024 to take the reins at USC, has faced the daunting challenge of rebuilding a storied program that has struggled to regain its national relevance in the modern college baseball landscape. With 1,505 career wins, Mainieri brought championship pedigree and instant credibility to the Trojans dugout. However, revitalizing the program has proven more difficult than anticipated.

The 2025 season saw USC hover around the .500 mark for much of the year, with notable wins over top-ranked opponents but also frustrating losses to unranked teams. Injuries to key starters and a lack of depth in the pitching staff further complicated efforts to build momentum. Critics questioned whether the game had passed Mainieri by, or whether his heart was still fully invested after returning from retirement. Donati acknowledged those concerns but offered a broader context.

“We live in an era of instant gratification, but turning around a program like USC baseball takes time,” Donati said. “This isn’t just about wins and losses in year two. It’s about restoring a culture of excellence, developing our student-athletes, and building a foundation that can support sustained success. When I look at what Paul has done behind the scenes—improving player development, recruiting top-tier talent, and fostering accountability—I see clear progress.”

Donati also emphasized that his evaluation process extended beyond the field. He conducted exit interviews with players, spoke extensively with assistant coaches, consulted alumni, and even reviewed academic performance and team culture metrics. What emerged, he said, was a compelling picture of a team in transition but with its compass pointed in the right direction.

“Several of our players had career-best seasons under Coach Mainieri’s staff this year,” Donati noted. “We’re seeing better fundamentals, improved plate discipline, and smarter baserunning. Our recruiting class is ranked among the best in the Pac-12. And perhaps most importantly, the players believe in the direction of the program. That kind of buy-in is not easy to come by.”

Mainieri’s recruiting efforts have been particularly noteworthy. In a competitive landscape where NIL deals and the transfer portal have upended traditional pipelines, USC has managed to attract elite talent from across the country. This year’s incoming class includes several high-profile prospects who chose USC over SEC and ACC powerhouses—a testament, Donati said, to Mainieri’s enduring reputation and the vision he’s sold to recruits.

“There’s no doubt that Paul still resonates with young athletes and their families,” Donati said. “He has a way of connecting with players that is authentic and inspiring. When he talks about his love for the game and his belief in USC, people listen.”

Still, Donati was clear that retaining Mainieri is not a free pass. Expectations remain high, and the pressure to produce results in 2026 will be significant. Donati described his ongoing support as “conditional but optimistic” and made it clear that benchmarks are in place.

“We’ve discussed goals and expectations for next season, and those include improvements in our conference record, continued development of our pitching staff, and a return to postseason play,” Donati said. “Coach Mainieri understands that. He welcomes that. He wants to be held to the highest standard, because that’s what this program deserves.”

For his part, Mainieri seemed invigorated by the vote of confidence. In a brief statement following Donati’s announcement, he expressed gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose.

“I want to thank Jeremiah Donati and the entire USC administration for their trust and belief in our mission,” Mainieri said. “I didn’t come out of retirement to take shortcuts. I came here to build something meaningful, something lasting. I love these players, I love this school, and I’m more motivated than ever to bring USC baseball back to the national stage.”

Mainieri also acknowledged that the learning curve has been steep. The game has evolved since his heyday at LSU, with changes in analytics, roster management, and player movement requiring continual adaptation. But he insists he’s kept pace.

“I’m a student of the game, always have been,” he said. “Yes, there are new challenges, but that’s part of the fun. I’ve surrounded myself with a staff that understands today’s game, and we’re blending old-school fundamentals with new-school innovation. I believe in what we’re building here.”

That belief will now be tested in what promises to be a pivotal third season under Mainieri. The Trojans will return a core group of experienced players and welcome a recruiting class that includes several instant-impact freshmen and junior college transfers. The pitching staff, long a weak spot, will benefit from the addition of a new pitching coach with a track record of success at the Division I level—a move Donati supported during the offseason.

Off the field, USC is also investing in its baseball infrastructure. Donati announced plans for facility upgrades at Dedeaux Field, including a revamped locker room, new training amenities, and improved fan seating. Those enhancements, he said, are essential for competing in today’s college baseball arms race.

“We’re not just asking Coach Mainieri to elevate the program,” Donati said. “We’re backing him up with the resources needed to make that happen. USC baseball has a proud tradition, and we’re committed to restoring it at every level.”

As Donati concluded his remarks, he returned to a theme that has defined his tenure as athletic director: patience and vision.

“Leadership is not about chasing headlines or giving in to the loudest voices,” he said. “It’s about doing the hard work of evaluating, listening, and making decisions that serve the long-term interests of the program. I believe in Paul Mainieri, and I believe in USC baseball. We’re going to get this right.”

That message may not satisfy every critic. But for now, it offers clarity and direction for a program searching for its way back to prominence. In the coming months, as fall workouts begin and anticipation for the 2026 season builds, the spotlight will shine brightly on Mainieri and his Trojans. And with the support of his athletic director and a talented roster, the next chapter of USC baseball begins—not with a fresh start, but with renewed resolve.