PRESS RELEASE: MAY 26, 2026

SJR State Vikings welcome new baseball coach – Matt Kennedy

Vikings baseball head coach Matt Kennedy

St. Johns River State College welcomes new Vikings baseball head coach Matt Kennedy. Kennedy steps up to the plate following Ross Jones’ successful 18-year career.

Jones said the decision to retire was made easier by leaving the program in the hands of assistant baseball coach Matt Kennedy.

“Having Matt Kennedy on my staff the past three years really helped make this decision easier for me,” Jones said. “I trust Matt with this program. I know that he will continue to build upon what we’ve accomplished.”

Kennedy thanked Jones and SJR State President Joe Pickens for entrusting him with the baseball program. “I look forward to continuing the legacy that Coach Jones has built and working with an administration that cares so much about the athletic department and the development of the student-athletes here at SJR State,” Kennedy said. “I am very eager to get our guys back on campus in August and work toward reaching our goal of finishing the season in Enid at the NJCAA World Series!”

Kennedy’s career includes the Director of Player Development and Director of Operation at Kent State University; the head assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Butler University in Indianapolis, and head assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Saint Leo University.