The New Orleans Privateers have announced the hiring of Andrew Gipson as the new baseball head coach. The former Belhaven head coach and Southeastern associate head coach will formally start his tenure on July 1. He will become the ninth head coach in program history.
 
Gipson compiled a record of 59-32 in two seasons at Belhaven. In his first season, the Blazers won 25 games. In 2025, that total shot up to 34 wins. They made it to the Division III Super Regional where they were defeated by #2 overall seed, Denison. The tournament appearance was the first in Belhaven's history.
 
Gipson's first season with the Blazers included individuals taking major conference awards. Gipson guided the Collegiate Conference of the South Pitcher of the Year in Brett Sanchez and the Player of the Year in Owen Abney.
 
Prior to his two-year stint in Belhaven, Gipson was entrenched in the Southland Conference as he spent seven years with Southeastern. He held various roles within the program including recruiting coordinator, pitching coach and associate head coach.
 
The Lions made three NCAA Regionals (2016, 2017, 2022) during his stay in Hammond. The 2015 Lions squad won 42 games and set a Southland record for most conference wins in a season with 25. A multitude of awards came flowing in, including 47 All-Southland selections, four All-Americans and three Southland Players of the Year.
 
There is also an extensive MLB Draft record tied into Gipson. 17 players were drafted between 2015-19. Four student-athletes from his tenure made it to the Majors and Will Warren is currently in the starting rotation for the New York Yankees.
 
A graduate of Belhaven in 2011, Gipson spent two seasons as a graduate assistant with the program. There were three All-Americans in that stint including Kyle Wheeler who was selected in the 26^th round of the 2013 MLB Draft.
 
 
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT ANDREW GIPSON
 
JAY ARTIGUES- ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, SOUTHEASTERN
"Coach Gipson is one of the best young coaches in the country. Andrew is one of the most organized and thorough coaches you're going to find. His attention to detail, knowledge of the game, and passion sets him apart. He truly cares for his players and they love playing for him…he's the kind of coach you want your son to play for."
 
MATT RISER- HEAD BASEBALL COACH, MEMPHIS
"The University of New Orleans hit a home run with the hire of Andrew Gipson. I've known Vince for years, and I'm thrilled he was able to bring in someone as knowledgeable and driven as Gip. Few people work harder or understand today's game better. He's a visionary leader, undeterred by obstacles, and grounded in faith while competing with relentless intensity. I couldn't be happier for my good friend. Gip and the Privateers are a perfect fit in the pursuit of championships."
 
DREW AVANS- FORMER SOUTHEASTERN OUTFIELDER, MADE MLB DEBUT IN 2025
"Coach Gipson is the man! He shows up every day ready to win! I know his players will be talented, smart, and gritty!"
 
JACK CRESSEND- NATIONAL PITCHING CROSSCHECKER, LOS ANGELES DODGERS
"Andrew Gipson is a tireless worker and will be a great leader of the program. He is a man of character and he truly cares about his players. This is a great hire for UNO baseball."
 
WILL WARREN- FORMER SOUTHEASTERN AND CURRENT NEW YORK YANKEES PITCHER
"Coach Gipson might be the hardest working person on the field at all times. That's why he has had success at every place he's been. He's changing the identity of every program and the players buy in to that hard work. Not only is he a great baseball coach, but he truly cares about every player. He's developing them into great men on and off the field."