For the first time in more than 12 years the Florida Gators will have a new coach in the dugout next to Kevin O’Sullivan. Florida won’t have Brad Weitzel in the dugout when they hit the field this spring but Kevin O’Sullivan has tapped his replacement in former USF assistant coach Chuck Jeroloman.
“We’re really excited to have Chuck join our staff,” Kevin O’Sullivan said. “Chuck has experience playing in the SEC and an extensive knowledge of the state of Florida, having coached and recruited in the state for 10 years.”
Jeroloman is no stranger to SEC baseball. He played at Auburn from 2002-04 and was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 21st round of the 2004 MLB Draft. He played seven seasons in professional baseball, advancing as high as Triple A before retiring and turning to coaching. Jeroloman started his coaching career as a volunteer assistant at TCU, where he coached the Horned Frogs’ hitters, catchers and infielders. TCU’s batting average improved from .242 to .294 during Jeroloman’s first season with the team.
After TCU he joined Jacksonville’s staff where he helped the Dolphins improve their win total each season. He spent four seasons at JU before moving to USF. Jeroloman was named the Bulls’ assistant coach and recruiting coordinator in 2017.
Jeroloman is thought highly of as a hitting coach and as a recruiter.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Coach O’Sullivan and the University of Florida for this opportunity,” Jeroloman said. “Sully and his staff have built one of the most successful programs in the nation and it is an absolute honor to be a part of it. I will work tirelessly at recruiting and developing student-athletes on and off the field. I’m committed to continuing the success of this premier program. Go Gators!”
O’Sullivan was tasked with replacing longtime assistant and friend Brad Weitzel. The Gators’ assistant left the program in June after 12 seasons but his relationship with O’Sullivan goes all the way back to 1987 when Weitzel coached O’Sullivan in the Jupiter American Legion team.
Prior to his time with the Gators Weitzel was the Minnesota Twins area scout for 16 years. He was responsible for signing 16 big leaguers, drafted five and coached 36 at various levels most notably A.J Pierzynski, Doug Mientkiewicz and Denard Span.