STARKVILLE — Andy Cannizaro is out as head coach of the Mississippi State baseball team.
University officials announced in a statement this morning Cannizaro has resigned effective immediately.
“I had a wonderful opportunity at Mississippi State, but unfortunately I made some poor decisions,” Cannizaro said in the statement. “I hope Mississippi State University and all of the fans and people affected will one day forgive me.”
Pitching coach Gary Henderson is taking over as interim head coach. Henderson has more than 29 years of coaching experience, including leading Kentucky to a 258-199 record as head coach from 2009-16.
The Dispatch confirmed through multiple sources the players learned officially of Cannizaro’s departure in a meeting this morning. A players-only meeting was held Monday night as rumors began circulating about the coach’s future with the program.
The 247 Sports website first reported Monday evening that MSU intended to fire Cannizaro today “for cause.”
Three non-MSU employees with close ties to the baseball program, all of whom asked not to be named, told The Dispatch the athletic department had launched an investigation into allegations of Cannizaro’s infidelity, and some team members were questioned as part of that.
Athletic Director John Cohen, however, did not return calls seeking comment.
Cannizaro went 40-27, 17-13, in his one full season at the helm for MSU and coached MSU to an appearance in the Baton Rouge Super Regional after winning the Hattiesburg Regional.
His team started the 2018 campaign losing three straight on the road to Southern Mississippi. The Bulldogs will play at Jackson State on Wednesday.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
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