Ryan Hunt Announces Resignation as Cumberland Head Baseball Coach

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland University head baseball coach Ryan Hunt has announced his resignation after four seasons of leading the Phoenix and 19 total seasons on staff.

Hunt, a Cumberland alumnus and longtime assistant coach, took over the program in 2022 and compiled a 109-104-2 record as head coach. He guided the Phoenix to some of the most potent offenses in the NAIA, with his teams hitting over .330 in three of his four seasons.

The 2025 campaign was the high point of his tenure as Cumberland went 39-18-1, won the Mid-South Conference Tournament, and returned to the NAIA National Tournament for the second time during his head coaching tenure. Hunt was named the Mid-South Conference Coach of the Year after leading the Phoenix to a second-place regular-season finish and a dominant postseason run to win the conference title.

In 2023, Hunt led Cumberland back to the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in his tenure as the Phoenix belted 125 home runs, the third most in the nation, while averaging over 10 runs per game. That season also produced two NAIA All-Americans. In total, Hunt coached four NAIA All-Americans and 26 All-Conference players as head coach.

Before becoming head coach, Hunt spent 13 years as an assistant at Cumberland, helping the program to three NAIA national championships (2004, 2010, 2014), a national runner-up finish (2006), and six NAIA World Series appearances. He also coached at Volunteer State Community College for six years in between stints at Cumberland.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here as a player, assistant and now as a head coach. This program and university has been my life. There have been many great memories during my time here," Hunt said. "This program means a lot to me but I feel like it's time to step away from the game of baseball and the program. I wish nothing but future success for this program going forward. Thank you to all the former players and coaches that I have had the privilege of coaching and coaching with."

"Ryan has poured so much into Cumberland baseball," said Vice President of Athletics Ron Pavan. "He has honored his family's legacy while also making his own impact on the program. We are grateful for his leadership and wish him the very best moving forward."

Former head coach Woody Hunt, who led Cumberland to more than 1,600 wins, three NAIA national championships, and 17 Coach of the Year honors over his 41-year career, will serve as interim head coach while a national search for the next leader of Phoenix baseball is underway.

"Cumberland Baseball has one of the richest traditions in the NAIA, built on decades of success, national championships, and a standard of excellence that is recognized across the country," Pavan continued. "Our expectation in this search is to find a leader who will not only uphold that tradition, but also build upon it for future generations. This program means a great deal to our university and our community, and we are committed to bringing in a head coach who can continue to position Cumberland Baseball among the nation's elite."

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