AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) - Auburn softball Head Coach, Mickey Dean, announced his decision to step down at the end of the season. Dean, in his 7th season on the Plains, is the second winningest coach in Auburn history.
“I came to Athletic Director John Cohen this week after several previous conversations with him and made the difficult decision to step down as the head coach of the Auburn softball program at the conclusion of this season,” Dean said. “This was my decision and while it was a difficult one, it is what I felt was best for me and the program moving forward to allow me to focus time on personal matters.”
Dean will retain a role within Auburn, as he will serve as aspecial assistant to the athletic director following the conclusion of the team’s season.
Dean came to Auburn in 2017 and has led the Tigers to a 206-109 record during his time on the plains, including three 40-win seasons. He guided Auburn to 5 NCAA Regionals, 8 All SEC selections, and one NFCA All-American. In 2023, Dean led the Tigers to their second straight 40-win season, finishing 43-19 and saw Maddie Penta win the program’s first SEC Pitcher of the Year.
"I am grateful to Mickey for his service to Auburn and the care he has for this program and his student athletes," Cohen said. "Throughout our many conversations during my time at Auburn, it has been evident how much he values being a part of the Auburn family and appreciates his opportunity to lead this storied program. I know this was a decision that he did not take lightly but was one which he felt was ultimately best for Mickey, his family and the continued growth and success of Auburn Softball."
In 18 seasons as a head coach, Dean has coached 12 NCAA Tournament teams and is one of four active head coaches nationally to lead three different programs into the NCAA postseason. A native of Elkton, Virginia, Dean has posted a 699-290-1 career record during his tenure at Radford, James Madison, and Auburn.
