“As I watched Chris over the years, I became more and more impressed with him in many ways,” Corrigan said. “He is a nationally recognized recruiter, has great baseball knowledge and is a great representative of our program. He loves NC State and despite multiple opportunities to leave, he chose to stay. We could have gone on a national search for a new head coach, but I’m so glad we didn’t have to because we had the best person for the job here.”
“I am very happy and honored to be named head coach at the place I love and call home,” Hart said. “I want to thank you. boo corrigan Thank you for giving me this opportunity and for believing in me to lead this program. North Carolina State is a special place and this baseball program means a lot to me. I understand the standards of excellence that come with being a part of NC State athletics and am excited to build on the strong foundation established by great leaders like Elliott Abend, Ray Tanner and Sam Esposito.
“I would also like to personally thank Coach Avent for everything he has done for me, this program, and NC State. He has taught me so much throughout my career. His support, guidance, and encouragement have meant so much to me.”
“I’m excited to continue developing players on and off the field, competing at the highest level, and making Wolfpack Nation proud. Our fans are some of the best in college baseball, and I can’t wait to continue building something special together.”
Chris Hart is known as one of the top assistant coaches and recruiting coordinators in the nation, and has served as associate head coach for the past 11 years. He also served as the Wolfpack’s hitting coach and recruiting coordinator and has been involved in all aspects of the program.
Hart, the 2021 Baseball America National Assistant Coach of the Year, has helped coach 32 draft picks since taking on the role of recruiting coordinator in 2010. The Wolfpack’s recruiting classes have ranked in the nation’s top five three times under his direction: No. 4 in Baseball America in 2011 and 2012, and No. 5 in D1 Baseball in 2024. Pac also achieved a top 25 ranking in 2016. 2021, 2023, 2025 (D1 Baseball and Baseball America).
In 2016, Hart was recognized by D1Baseball as one of the top 30 recruiters in the country. This is an honor that was voted on by my peers.
The Clearwater, Fla., native has contributed to NC State’s reputation as a top-tier team both offensively and defensively each year, as the Wolfpack finished third in the NCAA in fielding percentage (.982) and tied for fifth in home runs (92) under his direction in 2021. In 2019, NC State ranked first in the ACC and 13th in the NCAA with 130 doubles. In 2018, the Wolfpack finished the season fifth in the nation as a team with 87 home runs and 10th with a .477 slugging percentage.
Hart coached Trea Turner, who is now an MLB All-Star and three-time World Series champion. In 2012, Turner set a program record for most stolen bases in a single season, stealing 57 bases, second most in ACC history. In 2013, Turner led the team with 30 stolen bases as NC State set a single-season program record with 110 stolen bases.
From 2019 to 2025, a total of 18 position players were selected in the MLB Draft. The headliners were first-round picks Will Wilson (2019, Los Angeles Angels) and Patrick Bailey (2020, San Francisco Giants), who became the first Wolf Pack players to be drafted in the first round in consecutive seasons. Hart, who coaches catchers, has watched Bailey win two Gold Glove Awards.
Thirteen draft picks coached by Hart were named to major league rosters. Six draft picks from 2023 onwards are currently playing professionally at some level.
After being named the program’s lead recruiter in 2010, Hart saw immediate results in his recruiting efforts, signing one of the best recruiting classes in the country. Among the 13 notable recruits on NC State’s roster that fall was Brett Austin, the highest drafted recruit to NC State in the past 31 years. Carlos Rodon, 2011 North Carolina High School Player of the Year. And Turner. Baseball America ranked the Wolfpack’s 2010-2011 class No. 4 in the country.
Elliott Abend hired Hart in 2005 as director of baseball operations. He moved from an operations role to a volunteer assistant position after two years, but then his desire to become a coach led him to give up his salaried position and become the Wolfpack’s volunteer coach.
As a player, Hart was a letterman for former Florida State head coach Mike Martin for four years (1999-2003). He played an active role as a utility man, starting in his first year as a designated hitter against left-handed pitchers. He began his second year as the Seminoles’ starting catcher, but suffered a fractured tibia eight games into the season and was recognized by the NCAA as having medical difficulties.
Lingering issues with rehab cost Hart the next two seasons, but he blossomed as a senior, appearing in 67 games and starting 63 at second and third base.
Hart played in a total of 195 games and started 116 games for the Seminoles, batting .271 with 23 doubles, two triples, seven home runs, and 72 RBIs. Each of the four FSU teams he played for (1999, 2001-2003) went to the NCAA Super Regionals, and the Seminoles advanced to the College World Series in 1999 and 2000. During his career at Florida State University, Hart played every position on the field except pitcher and center field.
After graduation, Hart spent one year (2004) as an assistant coach at the University of St. Petersburg (Florida), where he served as the hitting coach and third base coach and was involved in all aspects of the program. Hart coached all positions on defense and was involved in recruiting for the program.
In the summer of 2004, Hart served as the head coach of the Loudoun Rangers of the Shenandoah Valley League. At Loudoun, he coached players from seven different Division I conferences, including the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big East, and Conference USA.
Hart was a two-time all-state selection, four-time all-county selection and All-Suncoast selection at Clearwater Central Catholic High School, where he led the county in home runs as a junior. He was selected to the Florida All-Star Team as a senior, was named the 1998 Florida American Legion Player of the Year, and was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 46th round of the 1998 MLB Draft.
Hart graduated from Florida State University in 2003 with a degree in sports management. Hart and his wife, Haley, have two sons, Houston and Walker.
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