After leading Arizona baseball to the College World Series, Chip Hale was rewarded with a multiyear contract extension.
Hale, whose original five-year deal was set to expire after the 2026 season, signed a four-year extension through 2030, the UA announced Monday.
Arizona coach Chip Hale proudly displays the winners’ spoils after leading the Wildcats past North Carolina in the third and deciding game of their Super Regional series on June 8, 2025, at Boshamer Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Hale, the Wildcats’ all-time leader in hits and games played, has guided Arizona to 152 wins, four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and back-to-back conference tournament championships in his four seasons.
“I want to sincerely thank University of Arizona President Dr. Suresh Garimella, Athletic Director Desireé Reed-Francois and the Arizona Board of Regents for their continued trust and support,” Hale said in a news release. “I’m truly honored and grateful to receive a contract extension from an institution that means so much to me.
“I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished as a program, especially bringing Arizona baseball back to Omaha. It’s a reflection of the hard work and commitment of our student-athletes, coaches and support staff, and of the incredible support we receive from our university leadership.
Arizona coach Chip Hale is greeted by fans as he and the team arrive for Game 5 of the Men’s College World Series at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Neb., on June 15, 2025.
“This extension represents a shared vision for the future of Arizona baseball, one built on excellence, development and the pursuit of championships. I’m excited to continue leading this program and build on the proud tradition of Wildcat Baseball. Bear Down!”
Hale, 60, returned to Arizona in July 2021 after predecessor Jay Johnson left to become the head coach at LSU. After qualifying for the NCAA Tournament as an at-large entrant in Hale’s first two seasons, the Wildcats won the Pac-12 regular-season and tournament titles in 2024.
Arizona broke through in the postseason this spring after failing to advance past the regional round in each of the previous three campaigns. The Wildcats swept the Eugene Regional and rallied to upset No. 5 national seed North Carolina in the Super Regionals to earn the 19th CWS berth in program history.
Hale went to Omaha twice as a player and was a key member of the 1986 team that won the national championship.
“Arizona baseball has long been one of the nation’s premier programs, and Coach Chip Hale has honored that legacy while elevating our standard of excellence,” Reed-Francois said in the news release. “He is a proud Wildcat, a proven leader and a tremendous ambassador for the University of Arizona. With Chip leading the way, we are well-positioned to compete for championships and continue developing exceptional young men on and off the field.”
Arizona third baseman Chip Hale holds a Florida State runner at second base during the NCAA Championship in June 1986.
The extension provides stability for the program as Hale was one of several UA head coaches entering the final year of their contract.
Financial terms of Hale’s extension were not immediately available. Between base salary and performance bonuses, Hale earned $585,000 for the 2025 season.
The extension is pending approval from ABOR, whose next scheduled meeting is Sept. 25-26.
Inside pitch
– Arizona ranked seventh in season-ending Top 25 polls released by D1Baseball, Baseball America and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association after the conclusion of the College World Series. This marks the first top-10 finish for the Wildcats since 2021.
– UA catcher Adonys Guzman was named to the CWS All-Tournament Team. Guzman went 5 for 9 (.556) with a home run, a double, two RBIs and three runs scored in two games.
– UA closer Tony Pluta added to his stockpile of postseason accolades by being named a first-team All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association and a second-team All-American by Baseball America.
