South Carolina has announced it has parted ways with head baseball coach Paul Mainieri. Associate head coach Monte Lee will now serve as interim head coach.
The coaching change comes after the Gamecocks suffered their sixth straight loss of the season, most recently to No. 4 Arkansas 22-6 on March 20.
In a joint statement from Mainieri and South Carolina athletic director Jeremiah Donati, Mainieri discussed the decision.
“Jeremiah Donati and I have agreed that the baseball program will be better served with new leadership," Mainieri said. "I take full responsibility for the win/loss record of the baseball program over the 80 games I have served as head coach."
In his time at South Carolina, Mainieri led the Gamecocks to a 40-40 record in his 80 games as head coach.Mainieri notched a 6-28 record in Southeastern Conference play during his two seasons.
“After a conversation this morning with Coach Mainieri, we agreed that it would be in the best interest of the program that we part ways at this time," Mainieri said in the statement. "I appreciate everything Paul has poured into our student-athletes and our program, not just at South Carolina, but throughout his career. He is a Hall of Fame coach and a world-class individual, and we wish him and his family all the best."