Florida Baseball Coach Kevin O'Sullivan Aims for 'Best Version' After Leave

O'Sullivan used a two-month break to change his daily routine and eliminate old habits ahead of his 19th season with the Gators.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Florida baseball coach Kevin O'Sullivan took a two-month leave of absence to address personal matters and make changes to his daily routine. He hopes to return as 'the best version' of himself for his 19th season leading the Gators, after a challenging previous year that included a public reprimand from the NCAA for aggressive behavior.

Why it matters

O'Sullivan is a highly successful coach who has led Florida to a national championship and numerous conference titles, but his outburst last season raised concerns about his ability to maintain his composure. His leave of absence and commitment to self-improvement will be closely watched as he tries to guide the Gators back to the College World Series.

The details

O'Sullivan used his two-month leave to build a home gym, change his daily routine, and eliminate old habits in an effort to find a healthier work-life balance. He acknowledged being too much of a perfectionist at times, and last season's struggles, which included a 1-11 start in SEC play, took a personal toll. However, O'Sullivan believes the leave was 'the best thing that could have happened' and has him feeling 'rejuvenated' and 'much more at peace' heading into the new season.

  • In late October, O'Sullivan stepped away from the team to address 'personal matters'.
  • O'Sullivan returned to the team a week before Christmas to begin preparations for the 2026 season.

The players

Kevin O'Sullivan

The 57-year-old head coach of the Florida Gators baseball team, who has led the program to 756 wins, 17 NCAA regionals, nine College World Series appearances, six SEC championships, and the 2017 national title.

Chuck Jeroloman

The associate head coach who served as interim head coach during O'Sullivan's leave of absence, before leaving to take a similar job at Tennessee.

Tom Slater

The former Auburn head coach who was hired as the new associate head coach at Florida after Jeroloman's departure.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's really that simple. I feel rejuvenated. I feel great. I feel much, much more at peace, if that makes sense.”

— Kevin O'Sullivan, Head Coach (news4jax.com)

“I certainly wish I didn't do it. No one feels more regretful than I do. The last thing I want to do is misrepresent Florida or myself, or anybody for that matter. I handled it poorly.”

— Kevin O'Sullivan, Head Coach (news4jax.com)

“You make a commitment to yourself personally. That's what kind of slips away at times. I get up every morning and have my own routine and make sure I get some personal time for myself, so I don't get bogged down during the day and let one day slip away from the next.”

— Kevin O'Sullivan, Head Coach (news4jax.com)

What’s next

O'Sullivan will have to serve a three-game suspension at the start of the 2026 season due to the NCAA reprimand for his behavior last year.

The takeaway

O'Sullivan's leave of absence and commitment to self-improvement will be closely watched as he tries to guide the Gators back to the College World Series and avoid any further disciplinary issues. His ability to maintain his composure and find a healthier work-life balance will be crucial to the team's success and his long-term future as Florida's head coach.