BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Samford head baseball coach Tony David has been signed to a five-year contract extension, the athletics department announced Tuesday afternoon.
 
"I am so grateful to (Samford President) Dr. (Beck) Taylor and (Director of Athletics) Martin (Newton) for their commitment to me and our coaching staff," David said. "We are proud of what our guys have accomplished the last few years, especially in this new world, but have the highest of expectations moving forward. Our baseball alumni and community are second to none and so supportive in every way. The Samford Distinction is a real thing, a unique environment of educational and athletic excellence. There is no place like Samford, and we are excited for what's to come."
 
David recently finished his third season as the Bulldogs' head coach and his 20^th season with the program overall. The team posted another impressive season in 2024, finishing with a 36-22 overall record and a 14-7 mark in Southern Conference play. The Bulldogs finished second in the SoCon regular-season standings before reaching the finals of the SoCon Tournament.
 
"I could not be happier with the leadership Coach David has provided for our program throughout his time here," Samford Director of Athletics Martin Newton said. "He has more than earned this extension and I look forward to seeing all the success our program experiences with him at the helm for years to come."
 
Following the 2024 season, Michael Ross was named the SoCon Pitcher of the Year. Additionally, eight Bulldogs were honored on either the All-SoCon or All-Freshman teams. Ross was also named first-team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and second team by the American Baseball Coaches Association.
 
The Bulldogs made history in David's second season at the helm of the program in 2023, becoming the first Samford team to capture both the Southern Conference regular-reason and SoCon Tournament titles in the same season since joining the league in 2008. David's squad tallied its most wins since 2019, finishing 37-25 overall and 15-6 in conference play. Samford captured its third SoCon Tournament title in five years in improbable fashion, winning three win-or-go-home contests on the final day of the tournament to clinch a championship. The Bulldogs then made noise in the NCAA Auburn Regional, knocking off No. 13 ranked Southern Mississippi, 4-2 in 10 innings in the opening round to capture their fourth regional win in program history.
 
Five Bulldogs garnered Southern Conference postseason accolades in 2023, headlined by David earning SoCon Coach of the Year, Jacob Cravey winning Pitcher of the Year, Lucas Steele garnering Coaches Freshman of the Year and Jayden Davis taking home Media Freshman of the Year. Cravey was selected second team All-America by Collegiate Baseball, NCBWA and ABCA/Rawlings.
 
In his first season at the helm in 2022, David's squad went 12-9 in SoCon play, earning series victories against five of their seven SoCon opponents, including a home series win over No. 22 Wofford. In nonconference action, the Bulldogs tallied wins at No.10 Florida State and against defending national champion Mississippi State at the Hoover Met.
 
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