The Andy Cannizaro era at Mississippi State has come to an abrupt, short end.
The second-year head baseball coach of the Bulldogs was fired by the university late Monday, according to multiple reports. The news was first reported by 247Sports.com.
An official announcement was expected today by the university.
Former MSU baseball coach turned athletic director John Cohen hired Cannizaro as his replacement on Nov. 5, 2016.
Despite the late start and a multitude of injuries on the mound, Cannizaro guided the Bulldogs to a 40-27 record and into a Super Regional in his first season. State finished third in the SEC West standings with a 17-13 mark.
MSU started this season 0-3 under Cannizaro after being swept at Southern Miss over the weekend.
Pitching coach Gary Henderson is expected to take over immediately as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Henderson has eight years of SEC head coaching experience at Kentucky where he posted a 258-199 record and guided the Wildcats to two NCAA Regionals. He was named SEC Coach of the Year in 2012.
The 21st-ranked Bulldogs embark on a 12-day, nine-game road trip beginning Wednesday at Jackson State. Mississippi State is set to open its home slate on March 6 at the newly renovated Dudy Noble Field.
