Elliott Avent Finishes Career Ranked Among College Baseball’s Winningest Coaches

The curtain closed on a remarkable coaching career this weekend.

After 30 seasons leading NC State and 38 seasons overall as a Division I head coach, Elliott Avent’s legendary career came to an end in the Auburn Regional of the 2026 NCAA Baseball Tournament.

When the dust settled, Avent’s place in college baseball history was secure.

His 1,327 career victories rank 33rd all-time among Division I baseball coaches.

That’s elite company.

One of the Winningest Coaches Ever

Over the course of nearly four decades, Avent built winning programs at both New Mexico State and NC State.

His 1,327 career wins place him alongside some of the biggest names the sport has ever produced.

Overall College Baseball Win Leaders

1 Mike Martin 2,029
2 Augie Garrido 1,975
3 Gordie Gillespie 1,893
4 Gene Stephenson 1,768
5 Ed Cheff 1,705
6 Woody Hunt 1,630
7 Mark Marquess 1,627
8 Denney Crabaugh 1,601
9 Jim Morris 1,594
10 Paul Mainieri 1,545
11 Larry Hays 1,508
12 Mike Fox 1,487
13 Danny Hall 1,452
14 Chuck Hartman 1,444
15 Don Schaly 1,438
16 Cliff Gustafson 1,427
17 Bobby Halford – 1,416
18 Bill Holowaty 1,412
19 Keith Guttin 1,396
20 John Anderson 1,390
21 Bobby Cox 1,378
22 Bobby Halford 1,375
23 Ron Polk 1,373
24 Gary Gilmore 1,371
25 Jim Gilligan 1,353
26 John Schaly 1,351
27 Lou Yacinich 1,347
28 Bob Babb 1,346
29 Dave Van Horn – 1345
30 Rod Dedeaux 1,342
31 Jack Leggett 1,332
32 Larry Cochell 1,331
33 Elliott Avent 1,327

Among The ACC’s Best

Avent’s résumé looks even more impressive when measured against the ACC’s coaching giants.

Among coaches who coached in the ACC, Avent ranks:

7th All-Time In Career Wins

1 Mike Martin 2,029
2 Jim Morris 1,594
3 Mike Fox 1,487
4 Danny Hall 1,452
5 Chuck Hartman 1,444
6 Jack Leggett 1,332
7 Elliott Avent 1,327