On March 26, 2024, the softball world learned that Auburn Head Coach Mickey Dean would step down after the end of this season due to health reasons but would continue with the school as an assistant to Athletic Director John Cohen.

This season marks his 7^th at the SEC program and 18^th overall after he coached previously at James Madison for five years (2013-2017) and at Radford for six seasons (2007 to 2012).

For his coaching career, the Elkton, Va. native has compiled an overall record of 709-298-1 (as of today, May 1, 2024).

Off the field, Coach Dean and his wife, Liz, have two sons, Isaac and Eli.

Below is the official release Auburn University published in late March followed by Line Drive Softball’s exclusive interview with Coach Dean including:

• why he’s stepping down,
• reactions to the decision from his family and those in the softball world,
• what’s next for the long-time coach and his family,
• the countries he wants to travel to and why,
• plus much, much more…

All photos courtesy of Auburn Softball.

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Auburn Softball Coach Mickey Dean to Step Down at Conclusion of Season

Press release issued March 26, 2024

AUBURN, Ala.— Auburn softball coach Mickey Dean, who is in his seventh season at the helm of the Tigers’ program, will step down at the end of the 2024 season.

“I came to Athletic Director John Cohen this week after several previous conversations with him and made the difficult decision to step down as the head coach of the Auburn softball program at the conclusion of this season,” Dean said.

“This was my decision and while it was a difficult one, it is what I felt was best for me and the program moving forward to allow me to focus time on personal matters.”

Dean will continue serving Auburn as a special assistant to the athletic director following the conclusion of the 2024 season.

During his tenure, Dean has led Auburn to five NCAA Regional appearances, three 40-win seasons, including the 2023 season which he guided the Tigers to a 43-19 mark and a top 20 finish nationally.

The 2023 season saw Dean’s team finish third in the Southeastern Conference, won a series at Alabama for the second time while he’s been at Auburn, and coached the program’s first-ever SEC Pitcher of the Year in Maddie Penta.

“I am not from Auburn, but I consider myself an Auburn man as this institution and community has a special place in my heart,” Dean said.

“My goal has always been to do what is best for the program and get the program to a point where it can sustain success in an environment that prioritizes the growth of our student-athletes. Words do not properly express my appreciation for Auburn and the Auburn family, and I look forward to continuing to serve Auburn.”

Auburn’s second winningest coach in program history, Dean’s players have earned seven NFCA All-Region selections, eight All-SEC selections, one NFCA All-American and an SEC Freshman of the Year.

“I am grateful to Mickey for his service to Auburn and the care he has for this program and his student athletes,” Cohen said.

“Throughout our many conversations during my time at Auburn, it has been evident how much he values being a part of the Auburn family and appreciates his opportunity to lead this storied program. I know this was a decision that he did not take lightly but was one which he felt was ultimately best for Mickey, his family and the continued growth and success of Auburn Softball.”

In 18 seasons as a head coach, Dean has coached 12 NCAA Tournament teams and is one of four active head coaches nationally to lead three different programs into the NCAA postseason.

A native of Elkton, Virginia, Dean had posted a 699-290-1 career record at the end of the 2023 season during his tenure at Radford, James Madison, and Auburn.

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Line Drive Softball Q&A with Coach Dean

When did you first get the thought that you should consider stepping down?
I guess it would have been over the latter part of the spring and into the summer of last year (2023). It was more of a health challenge, and I needed to take care of myself, and I didn’t like being pulled away for a week or two to do that. I missed some time in recruiting and would again this year so stepping away from the program seemed like the best option.

How soon will you and the program look to have the new Tigers coach in place?
When the season ends, we would like to have someone in place the week after… someone the players know and are comfortable with as well as the incoming players.

The AD (John Cohen) and I tried to think of the best timing, and we met a couple of times to discuss what we wanted to do that’s best for the program. My conversations were mainly between my wife and some of my mentors and, after we made the decision to step down, I met with John to finalize possible and appropriate times. He’s been very good to all of us and has been very supportive.

Become a Line Drive Softball member to read more from Coach Dean in our interview with him…