NC State Baseball

IPS IN 5: What Will Happen With Elliott Avent?

NC State head coach Elliott Avent's contract expires at the end of the season, and there has been no public discussion of an extension. Today we're discussing his postgame comments on Saturday, the future of the program, and more!
May 18, 2026
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NC State head coach Elliott Avent's contract expires at the end of the season, and there has been no public discussion of an extension. Today we're discussing his postgame comments on Saturday, the future of the program, and more!
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73 Comments

IPS IN 5: What Will Happen With Elliott Avent?

5,457 Views | 73 Replies | Last: 3 min ago by poexcuse
Eastralwolf
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FourOaksWolf said:

I heard in 2024 that Avent wanted Corrigan to name Hart as the Head Coach in Waiting. Corrigan did not agree.

Got this information from the father of an Avent employee.


Interesting. I guess Boo has already decided he wants to go in a different direction then?
JCooke93
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He is a good coach but he is from Ohio so
wilmwolf
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With regards to naming a coach in waiting, I believe that's actually not allowed regardless of what EA or Boo wanted. I've also heard from multiple people that EA wants the job to go to Hart, but you still have to go through the motions of a hire.
Wise men speak because they have something to say. Fools speak because they have to say something

346
Packfanme1
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Lu and I have been season ticket holders for many years. There have been several years where baseball has been our favorite team out of all sports at NC State. I believe Elliott Avent has earned the right to decide when he steps down. He has done more with less than any coach in the country and has poored his heart and soul into NC State. Elliott will not say anything about his future until after the last game is finished, because he would never distract attention from his players! He is a man of great character as well as a great coach. I am admittedly biased because I knew Elliott's Mom and Dad for many years and know where his great values were founded. They were best friends with my in-laws in Red Oak, NC and I grew to love them dearly. I used to call his Mom regularly after his Dad passed away. They were such great "salt of the earth" people! Again, he has earned the right decide. His dedication and passion for NC State is second to none!
Jesus, Family, Wolfpack!
FourOaksWolf
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Eastralwolf said:

FourOaksWolf said:

I heard in 2024 that Avent wanted Corrigan to name Hart as the Head Coach in Waiting. Corrigan did not agree.

Got this information from the father of an Avent employee.


Interesting. I guess Boo has already decided he wants to go in a different direction then?


Don't know. Negotiations ended there. A lot could have changed over the past two seasons.

I was also told that Avent wasn't going to announce his retirement before a season started. He didn't want a "Farewell Tour." He would announce after the conclusion of the season.
CALS Alumni
Glasswolf
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Eastralwolf said:

FourOaksWolf said:

I heard in 2024 that Avent wanted Corrigan to name Hart as the Head Coach in Waiting. Corrigan did not agree.

Got this information from the father of an Avent employee.


Interesting. I guess Boo has already decided he wants to go in a different direction then?


There was friction between EA and yow also
“In America, anyone can become president. That's the problem.”
- George Carlin



EthanBarry
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Staff
I agree that Avent is remarkable getting more out of less, this year being the latest example, but the last few years I don't buy that State has "less" anymore. Pre-NIL and portal when we talked facilities all day... sure. But even though we know they don't max their NIL, they aren't short on talent. They get draft guys to campus, hang on to their stars and have 5+ guys drafted every year. They've been top 15 team in the preseason the last two seasons and at no point have they played like that. That's my concern with Avent moving forward. He's better with "less" than he is with "more"
rcteach
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Its a much better look for the program to let him come back olif he wants for a year than unceremoniously dump a man who has done as well as he has these 20 plus years. Then make your choice as to whether Hart is next up or you going in a different direction.
CackalackRunner
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EthanBarry said:

I agree that Avent is remarkable getting more out of less, this year being the latest example, but the last few years I don't buy that State has "less" anymore. Pre-NIL and portal when we talked facilities all day... sure. But even though we know they don't max their NIL, they aren't short on talent. They get draft guys to campus, hang on to their stars and have 5+ guys drafted every year. They've been top 15 team in the preseason the last two seasons and at no point have they played like that. That's my concern with Avent moving forward. He's better with "less" than he is with "more"


Years ago I was on the fire EA wagon since he hadn't won any championships. At this point I'd be willing to forgive that- and getting less from more- if he showed stronger signs of the statistical requirements for making the NCAAs. EA gets some credit for cancelling the late-season A&T game this year but he was already in a big hole for overall non-conference SOS.

Seemingly EA learned nothing from missing the tournament with the team with Tommy Tanks. Now this team with multiple draft-likely players might miss it for basically the same reason. Someone has to get the schedule right.
CLTWolf
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CackalackRunner said:

EthanBarry said:

I agree that Avent is remarkable getting more out of less, this year being the latest example, but the last few years I don't buy that State has "less" anymore. Pre-NIL and portal when we talked facilities all day... sure. But even though we know they don't max their NIL, they aren't short on talent. They get draft guys to campus, hang on to their stars and have 5+ guys drafted every year. They've been top 15 team in the preseason the last two seasons and at no point have they played like that. That's my concern with Avent moving forward. He's better with "less" than he is with "more"


Years ago I was on the fire EA wagon since he hadn't won any championships. At this point I'd be willing to forgive that- and getting less from more- if he showed stronger signs of the statistical requirements for making the NCAAs. EA gets some credit for cancelling the late-season A&T game this year but he was already in a big hole for overall non-conference SOS.

Seemingly EA learned nothing from missing the tournament with the team with Tommy Tanks. Now this team with multiple draft-likely players might miss it for basically the same reason. Someone has to get the schedule right.

Huh?

Elliott has missed a total 3 NCAA tournaments since 2003 and two of those years we were screwed over and should've made it. I think he's got the "statistical requirements" figured out.

What he needs to figure out is NIL and the portal.
Spider girl
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I agree with let Avent decide. 100%. And I hope he's back next year for a few reasons. Seems I'm in a minority though...
rocker wolf
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If Elliott had another year on his contract I would agree it should be his decision whether he returns or not. But since his contract is expiring that changes things. You can't bring him back without a contract, and a 1 year deal makes it tough to recruit. Giving a 70 year old man a multiyear deal also seems like a bad idea, given he isn't likely to see the end of it and you may wind up buying out the last few years of that deal if he hangs it up after next season. It stinks but you may have to make a tough decision here and move on.
wilmwolf
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FWIW, from what the Internet says, he got a one year extension already for this season. Signed the deal in 2020 to run through 2025 with an option for 2026. So he is in effect on a one year deal currently, if what has been reported is correct.
Wise men speak because they have something to say. Fools speak because they have to say something

346
PGAWolf
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rocker wolf said:

If Elliott had another year on his contract I would agree it should be his decision whether he returns or not. But since his contract is expiring that changes things. You can't bring him back without a contract, and a 1 year deal makes it tough to recruit. Giving a 70 year old man a multiyear deal also seems like a bad idea, given he isn't likely to see the end of it and you may wind up buying out the last few years of that deal if he hangs it up after next season. It stinks but you may have to make a tough decision here and move on.


That's the thing. I truly believe Avent loves what he does and loves NC State. His whole life has been coaching. I going to bet it is going to be really hard for him to walk away, you will probably have to be the one to make a decision.
JCooke93
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Wolf
EthanBarry
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Staff
rocker wolf said:

If Elliott had another year on his contract I would agree it should be his decision whether he returns or not. But since his contract is expiring that changes things. You can't bring him back without a contract, and a 1 year deal makes it tough to recruit. Giving a 70 year old man a multiyear deal also seems like a bad idea, given he isn't likely to see the end of it and you may wind up buying out the last few years of that deal if he hangs it up after next season. It stinks but you may have to make a tough decision here and move on.

IMO, State allowing the contract to expire tell you the decision. Head coaches don't coach on expiring contracts
Pack31
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Haven't read all posts so sry if duplicated, but agree with alot that EA deserves to make the decision. I'm torn on Hart though. Almost would like to see a turnover, but I dont know him well enough to form an opinion.

Would the BC coach be an option. Seems to have done more with less already.
Packfanme1
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Chris Hart has also EARNED the right to have his time at the helm, if Elliott chooses to step down. Heck, he has run the program for several years. I believe Elliott will say the same. Chris is a great guy and coach!
Jesus, Family, Wolfpack!
PGAWolf
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Packfanme1 said:

Chris Hart has also EARNED the right to have his time at the helm, if Elliott chooses to step down. Heck, he has run the program for several years. I believe Elliott will say the same. Chris is a great guy and coach!


Absolutely. NC State is a top 15-20 program in the country and has been for the last 15 years. When the head coach steps down and you have his right hand man that has been with the program for 20 years. You give him the job. This really shouldn't a conversation.

We are acting like State is just down in the dumps and things haven't been going well.

Anyone not happy with the past 15 years please tell me what specifically you aren't happy with?
Wolfpack91
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Elliot Avent has earned the right to Retire on his terms and timeline.
The man has done more with less than probably any other Power 4 college baseball coach for numerous years.

If he wants to come back next season, then great. If he wants to spend time with his wife and go fishing, then well deserved.
ChemE94
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PGAWolf said:

Packfanme1 said:

Chris Hart has also EARNED the right to have his time at the helm, if Elliott chooses to step down. Heck, he has run the program for several years. I believe Elliott will say the same. Chris is a great guy and coach!


Absolutely. NC State is a top 15-20 program in the country and has been for the last 15 years. When the head coach steps down and you have his right hand man that has been with the program for 20 years. You give him the job. This really shouldn't a conversation.

We are acting like State is just down in the dumps and things haven't been going well.

Anyone not happy with the past 15 years please tell me what specifically you aren't happy with?

Agreed - although I would amend your statement about being a top 15-20 program in the country. I would argue that we are exactly that because of EA. From a resources standpoint, I doubt we are in the top 30, and other coaching candidates would know that likely won't be changing....
JCooke93
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Hope so
JCooke93
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Exactly
BigLefty24
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65Pack said:

The program needs an overhaul for the whole coaching
Staff…it's time for new blood.


Shocker of an opinion for you.

*rolleyes*
@BigLefty24

*100% committed*
*Please respect my decision*
*Recruitment still open 110%*

Coach15
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I just want someone to give me a call if there's a new staff. That's all.

Go Pack.
pack2010
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If its Avents last year, keep Hart and shell out the (likely) saved money and get a top tier pitching coach and see what happens.
poexcuse
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Whatever guys…. some random logic was employed.
It's an unimportant sport so ….don't bother to try to be best? Huh?
Find joy …respect the athletes.
JCooke93
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What
PGAWolf
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poexcuse said:

Whatever guys…. some random logic was employed.
It's an unimportant sport so ….don't bother to try to be best? Huh?



You are already a top program. You aren't going to be a Texas or LSU so I the thought of risking regression to get marginally better doesn't make sense to me.

I mean heck you have been to Omaha 2 of the last 5 years. 3 of the last 12. That's pretty dang good.
FLWolf
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Hart is the guy-this has to be it for Avent

They have been telling recruits for years Avent would not be there their entire career-I have to imagine it made it tougher at times to recruit.

Having Hart with another younger coach would be ideal for me
Nairo
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Good time to resurface this wonderful article from Rob. It damn sure better be Chris Hart.

https://insidepacksports.com/s/16343/the-hart-of-the-pack
DrummerboyWolf
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I have disagreed with some of Avent's tactics, but he deserves to go out on his own terms. He had nothing to work with as far as facilities when he got here, but he was able to make it work pretty well for the last 25 years. I believe he would have had a National Championship had the NCAA not screwed us in 2021, but I digress.

Hopefully today is not his last day as N. C. State's Baseball Coach. If he has already made the decision to hang them up at the end of the season, then best of luck moving forward in his retirement. Again he deserves to be in charge of when he is finished.

GO PACK!
CLTWolf
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pack2010 said:

If its Avents last year, keep Hart and shell out the (likely) saved money and get a top tier pitching coach and see what happens.

who is a "top tier" pitching coach that you want us to hire?
Wolfer79
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wolfgators said:

Why would we expect better if Hart is hired here?


Why would Georgia Tech expect better when James Ramsay was hired at end of 2025 season?
Wolfer79
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Coach15 said:

I just want someone to give me a call if there's a new staff. That's all.

Go Pack.

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