Gabe Gross is moving on from Auburn baseball after nine seasons as the program’s hitting coach, but he isn’t leaving Auburn athletics.
Auburn announced Monday that Gross will transition to a new role and serve as a special assistant for athletics engagement. For Gross, who played three seasons at Plainsman Park and then spent nearly a decade coaching there, the change marks the next step in a long Auburn run that has touched almost every corner of the program.
“My family and I have been incredibly blessed over the years by many things, but perhaps none more so than Auburn University and the game of baseball,” Gross said. “It has been an incredible honor to serve as Auburn’s hitting coach over the last nine years, an experience my entire family has cherished, but the time has come for me to transition into a different role for Auburn Athletics.”
Gross arrived at Auburn as a three-year starter in the outfield from 1999 to 2001 and was a first-team All-American in 2000 after he led the SEC in hitting with an incredible .430 average. He was a two-time All-SEC selection, a freshman All-American in 1999 and a second-team Academic All-American in 2001.
After his professional career, he returned to Auburn as a student assistant and volunteer assistant from 2012 to 2015, laying the groundwork for his arrival as an assistant coach and hitting coach nine seasons ago.
Auburn head coach Butch Thompson called Gross “an Auburn Man through and through,” and said he has been a huge part of the program’s success over the last nine seasons. Thompson also said, “More than just a coach on staff, Gabe has helped me grow my love for Auburn and is a lifelong friend.”
Gross’ impact showed up in the numbers. During his nine seasons leading Auburn’s offense, the Tigers posted a .286 batting average with 797 doubles and 440 home runs in 3,043 games. Seven of the program’s 10 highest home run seasons came under Gross, including 60 or more in five of the last six seasons and 70 last season.
He also helped develop players at a high level. Gross mentored 21 All-SEC honorees, six All-Americans, seven Freshman All-Americans and 15 MLB draft picks. On the recruiting side, he helped bring in seven straight top-10 classes from 2024 to 2026.
Thompson said Gross poured himself into Auburn’s student-athletes not only as a hitting coach, but as a mentor.
“He’s poured into our student-athletes not only as their hitting coach, but also on a personal level, helping shape them into both better ballplayers and young men,” Thompson said. “We’re excited to keep him around in a new role that’ll allow him to continue to make a difference and build a new connection with the Auburn Family.”
Gross said stepping away from the day-to-day grind will give him more time with his family, including two teenagers at home.
“I have two teenagers at home, and our time with them under our roof is quickly fading,” Gross said. “The current construct of collegiate athletics and college baseball demand your full attention, and my family does as well. While it’s difficult to step away, I am excited to keep him around in a new role that’ll allow him to continue to make a difference and build a new connection with the Auburn Family.”
Gross thanked Thompson for giving him the chance to coach at Auburn nearly a decade ago and said he’s grateful for the players he’s worked with over the years.
“I want to thank all the players I have coached during my career at Auburn. The relationships built with all my former and current players continue to be very special to me,” Gross said.
“Watching the toughness and skill required to excel in the SEC and put Auburn baseball in a position to once again contend for championships has been the highlight of my coaching career. To every former and current Auburn baseball player, thank you.
I love you guys. War Eagle!”
Gross also thanked Thompson for the opportunity to coach at Auburn nearly a decade ago and said he wants to spend more time with his family.
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