Fresh off another impressive season that saw Auburn baseball come within one step of reaching the College World Series in Omaha, head coach Butch Thompson has made a significant addition to his coaching staff by hiring respected SEC assistant Nick Ammirati as the Tigers’ new assistant coach and hitting coordinator.
The move brings one of the conference’s rising offensive minds to Auburn and reunites Thompson with a former player he has followed closely throughout his coaching career.
Ammirati arrives on the Plains after successful coaching stints at both Kentucky and Georgia, where he helped develop some of the SEC’s most productive offenses while earning a reputation as one of college baseball’s top hitting instructors.
Ammirati eager to join Auburn’s rising program
Following the announcement, Ammirati expressed excitement about becoming part of Auburn’s growing baseball program and working alongside a coach who has influenced his career for more than a decade.
“This is an incredible opportunity to join a program with arguably more young talent than anyone in the country and help build on the momentum it has created over the last several years,” Ammirati said.
He also praised Thompson for the mentorship he has provided throughout his career, describing the Auburn skipper as one of the sport’s finest leaders.
“Butch has been a mentor of mine both up close and from afar for 15 years now, and I’m ecstatic to rekindle that relationship and get to work with one of the best coaches and men in our industry,” Ammirati said.
He added that he and his family are excited to become part of the Auburn community and begin working with the Tigers’ coaches and student-athletes.
Long-standing relationship comes full circle
The connection between Thompson and Ammirati dates back to their time together at Mississippi State.
Ammirati played catcher for the Bulldogs while Thompson served as the program’s pitching coach. During that period, Ammirati was entrusted with calling pitches for one of the nation’s top pitching staffs, helping guide Mississippi State to the College World Series championship series.
Thompson has remained impressed by Ammirati’s development ever since, watching him steadily climb the coaching ranks while establishing himself as one of the SEC’s brightest young assistants.
Success at Kentucky and Georgia made Ammirati one of SEC’s hottest assistants
Ammirati spent the previous five seasons coaching within the Southeastern Conference, first serving as Kentucky’s hitting coach from 2022 through 2024 before moving to Georgia ahead of the 2025 season.
His impact was immediately evident at both stops.
While at Kentucky, Ammirati helped the Wildcats develop into one of the conference’s most dangerous offensive teams during a stretch that culminated in a College World Series appearance.
He later joined Georgia and oversaw one of the most explosive offenses in college baseball.
During the 2026 season, the Bulldogs led the entire NCAA with 179 home runs, setting a new program record while also scoring 611 runs, another remarkable offensive milestone.
His ability to maximize player development and produce elite offenses made him one of the most sought-after assistant coaches in college baseball.
Thompson praises Ammirati’s experience and leadership
Thompson believes Ammirati’s resume and SEC experience make him the ideal addition to Auburn’s coaching staff.
“Nick’s bio speaks for itself, but my first glimpse of his potential in this industry was as his coach in 2013,” Thompson said.
The Auburn head coach recalled Ammirati’s leadership behind the plate during his playing days, noting that the young catcher managed nearly every pitch for an outstanding Mississippi State pitching staff that reached the national championship series.
Since then, Thompson has closely followed Ammirati’s coaching journey and admired his success at every level.
He specifically pointed to Ammirati’s contributions during Kentucky’s and Georgia’s recent College World Series runs, saying that experience will prove invaluable as Auburn continues building toward its own championship aspirations.
Thompson also highlighted Ammirati’s partnership with Auburn assistant coach Karl Nonemaker, expressing confidence that the pair will help develop a dynamic offense while improving one of the game’s most demanding positions behind the plate.
“Nick’s track record of success and current SEC experience makes him the best fit in the country,” Thompson said.
He added that reuniting with a former student-athlete is especially meaningful and believes Auburn’s players and fans will quickly embrace Ammirati as a member of the Tigers’ family.
Experienced coach continues rapid rise
Before establishing himself in the SEC, Ammirati gained valuable coaching experience at several other programs, including Southern Miss, Hinds Community College, and Northwestern State.
His playing career also featured stops at Seton Hall and Panola College before finishing at Mississippi State, where he first crossed paths with Thompson.
Now returning to work alongside his former coach, Ammirati joins an Auburn program determined to build on recent success after narrowly missing a trip to Omaha.
With his proven record of developing hitters, producing elite offenses, and helping SEC programs compete deep into the postseason, Auburn hopes Ammirati’s arrival will provide another important step toward returning the Tigers to college baseball’s biggest stage.
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