Nevada Baseball Hires Matthew Kinney as New Pitching Coach

Nevada Baseball head coach Jordan Getzelman announced Thursday evening that Matthew Kinney has been named the Wolf Pack’s new pitching coach. Kinney arrives at the University of Nevada with a coaching history at Southeast Missouri (SEMO) and Army West Point, where he led staffs to multiple conference titles and high national statistical rankings.

Why did Nevada hire Matthew Kinney?

Coach Getzelman cited Kinney’s reputation as a “relentless worker” and a “highly respected developer of pitchers” during the announcement. According to Getzelman, Kinney’s pitching philosophy and work ethic align with the program’s vision for pursuing championships.

Kinney spent eight seasons with the SEMO Redhawks, including seven overseeing the pitching staff. He also served as the pitching coach at Army West Point during the 2022 campaign. Getzelman stated that Kinney has a proven track record of identifying talent and building winning staffs.

Did You Know? Dylan Dodd, coached by Kinney at SEMO, was the highest draft pick in program history when the Atlanta Braves selected him in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft.

What are Kinney’s coaching achievements?

While at SEMO, Kinney helped guide the Redhawks to two NCAA Regionals in 2021 and 2024. The program won one Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) regular season title and two OVC Tournament titles under his tenure. In 2026, his staff led the OVC in strikeouts-per-nine-innings (8.2) and fewest walks issued (170).

During his single season at Army West Point, Kinney’s staff led the Patriot League in several categories, including ERA, WHIP, and shutouts. The Black Knights swept both the regular-season and tournament titles that year, earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament. One of his players there, Connelly Early, is currently in his second season with the Boston Red Sox.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Kinney’s emphasis on the strikeout-to-walk ratio—which ranked 19th nationally at SEMO in 2026—suggests a disciplined, efficiency-first approach. This focus on limiting free passes could fundamentally shift how Nevada manages its mound presence and game tempo.

How does Kinney’s playing experience influence his coaching?

Kinney played for Belmont, where he contributed to the 2012 Atlantic Sun Conference championships. He posted a 1.80 ERA in 2015, recording 62 strikeouts in 35 relief appearances. He later transferred to Florida State, where he went 3-0 with a 2.49 ERA in 2016.

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His playing career included a spot on the Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year List. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Belmont and a master’s degree in sport management from Florida State.

What happens next for the Wolf Pack?

Kinney may now begin recruiting student-athletes who fit the existing culture of the Nevada program. Based on his history at SEMO and Army, he is likely to implement a pitching philosophy centered on being “attack-minded on the mound,” as described by Getzelman.

The program could see a shift in player development focusing on the metrics Kinney prioritized previously, such as WHIP and strikeout-to-walk ratios. A possible next step involves integrating his recruiting strategies to bolster the Wolf Pack’s pitching depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did Matthew Kinney coach before joining Nevada?
Kinney served as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator at Southeast Missouri (SEMO) for eight seasons and was the pitching coach at Army West Point in 2022.

Which professional players has Kinney coached?
Kinney coached Connelly Early, who is currently with the Boston Red Sox, and Dylan Dodd, who was drafted by the Atlanta Braves.

What playing experience does Kinney have?
He played for Belmont and Florida State, earning a spot on the CBWA Stopper of the Year List during his time as a Seminole.

How do you think a focus on strikeout-to-walk ratios will impact the Wolf Pack’s performance this season?