Bethune-Cookman Athletics announced today that head baseball coach Jonathan Hernandez has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the helm of the Wildcats program through the 2030 season.
Since taking over the program, Hernandez has transformed Bethune-Cookman into one of the premier programs in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, leading the Wildcats to four consecutive seasons of at least 30 wins, multiple postseason appearances and back-to-back SWAC Regular Season Championships
"Coach Hernandez has done an outstanding job building our baseball program into a consistent conference contender while developing student-athletes on and off the field," said VP of Athletics Reggie Theus. "His leadership, vision and commitment to a Championship Culture have elevated Bethune-Cookman Baseball, and we are excited to continue that momentum with him leading our program through 2030."
Under Hernandez, the Wildcats have posted a 140-97 record over the last four completed seasons, including a 2026 campaign that stands among the most successful in program history. B-CU claimed the SWAC Regular Season Title for the second consecutive year with a program record 37-win regular season that included victories over ranked SEC opponents Florida and LSU. Hernandez was named SWAC Coach of the Year in consecutive seasons and in 2026 moved into second place on the program's all-time wins list.
In 2025, Bethune-Cookman finished 37-23 overall and 24-5 in SWAC play, captured the SWAC Championship after a dominant postseason run, and advanced to the NCAA Tallahassee Regional. Hernandez earned SWAC Coach of the Year honors following the championship season.
Following a rebuilding period early in his tenure, Hernandez steadily elevated the program, leading Bethune-Cookman to a 27-win season in 2022, a 33-win campaign and SWAC Championship Game appearance in 2023, a 30-win season and SWAC Semifinal appearance in 2024, and a conference championship season in 2025.
His teams have consistently competed at the top of the SWAC standings, finishing second in the East Division in 2022, 2023 and 2024 before reaching the top of the conference with consecutive regular season titles.
In addition to team success, Hernandez has overseen the development of numerous award-winning student-athletes. During his tenure, Wildcats have earned SWAC Player of the Year, Co-Hitter of the Year, Newcomer of the Year and Relief Pitcher of the Year honors, along with multiple first-team and second-team All-SWAC selections.
Under his tutelage, former B-CU pitcher Nolan Santos became the first Wildcat selected in the MLB draft since 2019 as he was chosen in the seventh round by the Minnesota Twins in 2023.
Hernandez's impact on the program began with laying a strong foundation through recruiting, highlighted by securing the highest-ranked recruiting class in program history. That foundation has translated into sustained success, championship-caliber performance and national postseason opportunities for the Wildcats.
Hernandez has taken his coaching prowess beyond the beach, serving as a part of the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team through training camp in 2025 before being selected as an Assistant Coach for the inaugural World Collegiate Baseball Championship in Taichung City, Taiwan, from July 11-15, 2026.
"I am grateful to Bethune-Cookman University and our administration for their continued belief in our vision for this program," Hernandez said. "Our success is a testament to the dedication of our student-athletes, coaching staff, alumni and supporters. We have built something special here, and I am excited to continue pursuing championships and developing young men at Bethune-Cookman."
The Wildcats will continue preparations for the 2027 season under Hernandez as they look to build upon the program's recent championship success.
