Florida Gators Open Baseball Season Without Suspended Coach

Associate Head Coach Tom Slater to Lead Team in Three-Game Series Against UAB Blazers

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Florida Gators kick off their 2026 baseball season on Friday night at Condron Ballpark, but they will be without head coach Kevin O'Sullivan, who was suspended for the three-game series against UAB due to his actions in last season's Conway Regional. In O'Sullivan's absence, associate head coach Tom Slater will run the offense, pitching coach David Kopp will manage the arms, and other assistant coaches will take on additional responsibilities.

Why it matters

The Gators are a perennial powerhouse in college baseball, having made 17 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances under O'Sullivan. His suspension raises questions about team leadership and chemistry heading into the new season, as well as the potential impact on the Gators' performance and postseason aspirations.

The details

Florida, which was 39-22 last season, will face a UAB team that was 24-30 in 2025 and has 19 first-year players on its 35-man roster. The Gators will start right-handed pitcher Liam Peterson, while the Blazers will counter with right-hander Mason Steele.

  • The three-game series against UAB begins on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 6:30 PM.
  • Coach Kevin O'Sullivan was suspended for this series due to his actions in last season's Conway Regional.

The players

Kevin O'Sullivan

The head coach of the Florida Gators baseball team, who was suspended for this three-game series against UAB.

Tom Slater

The associate head coach of the Florida Gators, who will run the offense in O'Sullivan's absence.

David Kopp

The pitching coach for the Florida Gators, who will manage the team's arms in O'Sullivan's absence.

Liam Peterson

The starting right-handed pitcher for the Florida Gators in the series opener against UAB.

Mason Steele

The starting right-handed pitcher for the UAB Blazers in the series opener against Florida.

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What they’re saying

“We must come together as a team and focus on the task at hand, despite the absence of our head coach. This is an opportunity for our assistant coaches to step up and for our players to demonstrate their resilience and talent.”

— Tom Slater, Associate Head Coach, Florida Gators

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.