By Ernie Gonzalez (@superego1012):
San Jose State University Athletics Director Marie Tuite announced Monday former Spartan baseball head coach Jason Hawkins has resigned from the position and will be effective immediately.
On Jan. 29, Brad Sanfilippo, who served as an assistant coach for SJSU during the 2013 and 2014 campaigns, accepted the role of interim head coach after Hawkins was placed on administrative leave via the University.
The Spartans finished the 2017 season 19-35-1 under Hawkins, his only season as head coach after signing a four-year contract with SJSU entering last season.
According to The Mercury News, there were whispers Hawkins held “illegal practices,” something the program did not provide any further comment on.
The Spear reached out to SJSU baseball media relations department Monday afternoon but was told details of the resignation were unavailable.
With Sanfilippo temporarily at the helm, SJSU will extend its in-season coaching search nationally, according to SJSU Athletics.
Last week at Bay Area baseball media day, Sanfilippo turned the focus on expectations.
“I’m prepared to do my job,” he told The Spear. “I’m excited about the opportunity and I am going to coach this team to the best of my ability. I’m prepared to do the job.”
The Spartans open up the 2018 season on their home field this Friday as part of a four-game series against the Northern Colorado Bears.