AUBURN, Ala.— Auburn softball coach Mickey Dean, who is in his seventh season at the helm of the Tigers' program, will step down at the end of the 2024 season.
"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 continue serving Auburn as a special assistant to the athletic director following the conclusion of the 2024 season.
During his tenure, Dean has led Auburn to five NCAA Regional appearances, three 40-win seasons, including the 2023 season which he guided the Tigers to a 43-19 mark and a top 20 finish nationally. The 2023 season saw Dean's team finish third in the Southeastern Conference, won a series at Alabama for the second time while he's been at Auburn, and coached the program's first-ever SEC Pitcher of the Year in Maddie Penta.
"I am not from Auburn, but I consider myself an Auburn man as this institution and community has a special place in my heart," Dean said. "My goal has always been to do what is best for the program and get the program to a point where it can sustain success in an environment that prioritizes the growth of our student-athletes. Words do not properly express my appreciation for Auburn and the Auburn family, and I look forward to continuing to serve Auburn."
Auburn's second winningest coach in program history, Dean's players have earned seven NFCA All-Region selections, eight All-SEC selections, one NFCA All-American and an SEC Freshman 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.
Auburn hosts Tennessee this weekend in a three-game series starting Friday at 5 p.m. CT at Jane B. Moore Field.