Associate head coach Gabe Gross is departing the Auburn Tigers baseball program to take on a broader role within Auburn’s athletic department, one that keeps him closely connected to Butch Thompson’s squad. The university made the announcement on Monday.
Gross characterized the decision as one rooted in prioritizing his presence at home with his family. According to Auburn’s official release, “In his new role within the athletics department, Gross will assist with fundraising efforts and appear on Auburn baseball radio and television broadcasts, among other duties.”
“My family and I have been incredibly blessed over the years by many things, but perhaps none more so than Auburn University and the game of baseball,” Gross said. “It has been an incredible honor to serve as Auburn’s hitting coach over the last nine years, an experience my entire family has cherished, but the time has come for me to transition into a different role for Auburn Athletics.
“I have two teenagers at home, and our time with them under our roof is quickly fading,” Gross added. “The current construct of collegiate athletics and college baseball demand your full attention, and my family does as well. While it’s difficult to step away, I know it’s the right decision. I want to thank Coach Thompson for giving me the opportunity to coach at Auburn. I also want to personally thank the Auburn Family for their love and support on and off the field as both a player and coach. Lastly, I want to thank all the players I have coached during my career at Auburn. The relationships built with all my former and current players continue to be very special to me. Watching them display the toughness and skill required to excel in the SEC and put Auburn baseball in a position to once again contend for championships has been the highlight of my coaching career. To every former and current Auburn baseball player, thank you. I love you guys. War Eagle!”
Gabe Gross faced a wave of criticism from Auburn supporters.
The Tigers’ offense struggled throughout the 2026 regular season and into the postseason under Gross’s watch. During a two-game Super Regionals sweep at the hands of the Ole Miss Rebels at Plainsman Park, Auburn went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Additionally, the Tigers managed just a .211 average across their first nine SEC contests.
Against the Alabama Crimson Tide, Auburn’s hitters went a collective 5-for-46. It was difficult to overlook the shortcomings in the Tigers’ offensive performance across the entire season. Unsurprisingly, Gross became a frequent target of blame once the year wrapped up.
Now, Gross transitions into an administrative post with the university, which on the surface appears to be a step up. In reality, he’s essentially being treated as a respected fixture on the Plains who will remain around the baseball program in a ceremonial capacity moving forward. He earned that goodwill through his earlier contributions. The 2026 campaign, however, was a rough one for the former big-leaguer.
Gross could have easily been dismissed if Thompson ultimately decided a shakeup was necessary, especially given the fan sentiment. Instead, this provides a dignified resolution that sidesteps an uncomfortable scenario while allowing Gross to continue representing his alma mater.
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