Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Official Athletics Website

Link Jarrett Signs Contract Extension Through 2026 Season

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Coming off a record-breaking 2021 season, Notre Dame baseball head coach Link Jarrett has signed a contract extension that will keep him in South Bend through the 2026 season. Through two seasons at the helm of the Irish, Jarrett has compiled a 45-15 record and led the team to its first NCAA Super Regional appearance since 2002.

“When I reflect on my first two years at Notre Dame, I most often think of the dedication I witnessed from our players, assistant coaches, director of operations and entire support staff,” said Jarrett. “The ability of all involved to grasp a completely new system, apply it and execute was awesome.”

“The players on our team, and quite frankly every Notre Dame team, show relentless commitment to academic and athletic excellence,” Jarrett continued. “It is inspiring to be a part of this culture. I am thankful that Jack Swarbrick and Jody Sadler offered me the opportunity to coach at Notre Dame and I look forward to many more years at this special institution with amazing people.”

In 2021, Jarrett led the Irish to their first ACC Regular Season Title since joining the league and the first conference championship since 2006 (BIG EAST). Notre Dame went 25-10 in the ACC and finished four and a half games clear of second place. The 25 wins tied a program record for most conference wins in a single season (1990). The Irish rose as high as No. 2 in the polls, their highest ranking since they were No. 1 back in the 2001 season.

The Irish advanced to the postseason for the first time since 2015 and hosted a regional for the first time since 2004. Jarrett was just the third Irish head coach in program history to bring the Irish to the postseason in his first two seasons (Paul Mainieri and Pat Murphy). In the South Bend Regional, the Irish outscored their opponents 50-5, including an Irish postseason record 26 runs against UConn, en route to their first regional championship since 2002. In the Starkville Super Regional, the Irish took eventual National Champion Mississippi State to a decisive Game 3 before dropping the final game 11-7.

Jarrett was named ACC Coach of the Year this past season, the first Irish head coach to garner conference coach of the year honors since Paul Mainieri in 2001. Jarrett also earned D1Baseball Coach of the Year honors and ABCA Midwest Region Coach of the Year. He oversaw Niko Kavadas’ record-breaking season at the plate in 2021. Kavadas set the Notre Dame record for most home runs in a single season (21), surpassing Frank Jacobs record that was set in 1991.

Jarrett and the Irish will be back on the field for his third season this coming February when the 2022 campaign begins. The full Notre Dame baseball schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

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