The coaching changes at Northwestern University continued on Thursday, this time with the school’s baseball program.
Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Dr. Derrick Gragg announced on Thursday that Head Baseball Coach Jim Foster has been relieved of his duties effective immediately. Though Northwestern Athletics didn’t specify in its press release, multiple reports indicate Foster’s dismissal came after allegations of bullying and a toxic environment within the program.
“Nothing will ever be more important to Northwestern than providing its students a place that allows them to develop in the classroom, in the community, and in competition at the absolute highest level, and building a culture which allows our staff to thrive,” said Gragg. “This has been an ongoing situation and many factors were considered before reaching this resolution. As the Director of Athletics, I take ownership of our head coaching hires and we will share our next steps as they unfold.”
With the announced change, Gragg revealed that assistant coach and former White Sox outfielder Brian Anderson will take leadership of the program. There is no indication yet if Anderson, who is serving as the interim head coach, will be given the chance to manage the team during its upcoming season.
Anderson, 41, was selected by the White Sox in the first round of the 2003 MLB Draft. He went on to play five seasons in the major leagues, notably winning the World Series in 2005 and making a diving catch in 2008 to secure a playoff berth.
An All-American at the University of Arizona, Anderson returned to his alma mater as an undergraduate assistant coach in 2021 while finishing his degree. In 2022, he served as a first base coach and worked with the team’s outfielders.
Following his stint at Arizona, Anderson was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Pima Community College. He later joined Northwestern’s Baseball Staff in late March of this year.
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Featured Photo: Jim Prisching, Associated Press
