Linahan Set To Join Baseball Staff
TCU head coach Kirk Saarloos has appointed Danny-David Linahan as the program’s new hitting coach. Linahan brings a diverse background to Fort Worth, having previously served as a hitting coach at Texas State and held various coaching roles within the Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Guardians, and Los Angeles Dodgers organizations.
How will Danny-David Linahan impact TCU’s offense?
Linahan arrives with a proven track record of generating explosive offensive production. During his two seasons at Texas State, he served as the hitting coach while also managing the outfielders and catchers.
Under his guidance, the Texas State Bobcats became one of the nation’s most prolific power-hitting teams. They ranked in the top 10 nationally with 116 home runs, establishing both a school and Sun Belt Conference record.
The Bobcats also ranked in the top 40 nationally for doubles with 119. Individually, players like Rashawn Galloway set a school record with 27 doubles in a season and recorded a 23-game hitting streak, the third-longest in program history.
Jaquae Stewart also reached a program milestone under Linahan, setting the school record for grand slams in a single season with four.
What professional experience does Linahan bring to the staff?
Before returning to the college game, Linahan spent several years in Major League Baseball. He served as a Major League Assistant Hitting Coach for the Minnesota Twins, where he focused on biomechanics, functional movement, and mental performance strategies.
During his tenure, the Twins won the 2023 American League Central Division title and secured their first postseason victory since 2004. The Twins’ offense produced twelve players with double-digit home runs, including rookie Royce Lewis, who set a franchise record with five grand slams in 66 games.
Linahan also spent the 2022 season with the Cleveland Guardians as a full-time minor league hitting coach. He worked primarily at the Arizona Complex, where nine hitters made their Major League debuts within a single calendar year, a franchise high.
His professional start began with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 2021, while assisting with Double-A Tulsa, he worked with 16 players who eventually contributed at the MLB level across the league.
What could the future hold for TCU hitters?
Linahan’s appointment may signal a shift toward a more modern offensive approach in Fort Worth. He is likely to implement the same advanced opponent analysis and biomechanical strategies he utilized with the Minnesota Twins.
Given his success at Texas State, TCU could see a similar surge in home run and double production. The program may also benefit from his experience developing international signees and rookie-level players, a skill he honed with the Cleveland Guardians.
“The opportunity to compete for championships, develop hitters and represent this university is something we’re extremely excited about,” Linahan said. “We are thrilled to return home to the Fort Worth area and do our part in adding to the legacy.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Danny-David Linahan coach immediately before joining TCU?
Linahan spent the last two seasons at Texas State, where he served as the hitting coach and coached the catchers and outfielders.
Which MLB teams has Linahan worked for?
He has held coaching roles with the Minnesota Twins, the Cleveland Guardians, and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
What is Linahan’s collegiate playing background?
He graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 2019, previously playing at Southwestern Oklahoma State in 2017 and starting his career at Frank Phillips Junior College.
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