Auburn softball coach Mickey Dean will not return for 2025 season

Auburn University softball coach Mickey Dean announced on Tuesday that this will be his last season coaching the Lady Tigers.

"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 said in a statement.

Dean had said that he had several conversations with Auburn Athletics Director John Cohen before finally reaching this difficult decision. Dean will stay on as a special assistant to the athletic director after the 2024 season concludes.

"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," Dean said.

Dean is the second winningest coach in Auburn history.

"I am grateful to Mickey for his service to Auburn and the care he has for this program and his student athletes," Cohen said. "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."

Dean has a 699-298-1 record across his career.

This year the team is 15-9-1 overall but are 2 and 7 in the conference.

Anna Wohlers is leading the team in batting average at .333, She is followed by Rose Roach at .314.

Cohen has not released any information about how he will be conducting the search for Dean's replacement.