On April 28, 2025, Mississippi State University announced the tough decision to part ways with its baseball head coach, Chris Lemonis, midway through his seventh season.
The news affected Bulldogs fans greatly.
For Lemonis, the support of his wife, Jill MacEldowney Lemonis, and their two daughters, Marissa and Mackenzie, has been his steady source of strength during this tough time.
BREAKING: Mississippi State baseball has FIRED head coach Chris Lemonis after 6+ seasons in Starkville per @ScoutSteveR
— SEC Unfiltered (@SECUnfiltered) April 28, 2025
Lemonis led the Diamond Dawgs to the program’s first National Championship in 2021. pic.twitter.com/hX1KsFx8eT
Mississippi State’s athletics director, Zac Selmon, shared the decision in a heartfelt statement:
“A change in leadership is what’s best for the future of Mississippi State Baseball.We have not consistently met the standard of success that our university, fans and student-athletes expect and deserve. I want to thank Coach Lemonis for his work and the time he gave to our program, including a national championship in 2021. We appreciate his efforts and wish him and his family all the best moving forward.”
Via Mississippi State Athletics
For Lemonis, the end of his tenure at Mississippi State marks the close of a significant chapter.
He joined the Bulldogs in 2018, leaving behind a successful stint at Indiana University.
In his first year with Mississippi State, he made history by setting a record for wins as a first-year Southeastern Conference (SEC) head coach.
In his debut season, he became the third SEC head coach to lead his team to the College World Series.
That 2021 national championship was a career highlight, cementing his legacy in Starkville.
Chris Lemonis Draws Strength From His Wife And Daughters
Through the highs and lows of his coaching career, Chris Lemonis has leaned on his wife, Jill MacEldowney Lemonis, and their daughters, Marissa and Mackenzie (Kenzi).
Their tight-knit family is a source of joy and resilience, always standing by each other regardless of circumstances.
Jill, a Coastal Carolina University alumna, has constantly been present in Chris’ life.
Her support has been invaluable, from cheering at games to providing a steady hand during this recent transition.
Together, they’ve built a happy family that values love, loyalty, and togetherness.
Their daughters, Marissa and Kenzi, are equally inspiring.
Marissa Lemonis Castello, who graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2019, has carved her path as a professional at Maison Real Estate in Charleston, South Carolina.
Now married, Marissa continues to make her parents proud with her independence and drive.
Kenzi, the younger daughter, graduated from Indiana University in 2023, a nod to her father’s time coaching the Hoosiers.
Both daughters share a deep bond with their parents, offering unwavering support as their father navigates this career shift.
Chris Lemonis’ connection to baseball and Mississippi State runs deep.
Born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, he’s a proud Southerner with a lifelong passion for the game.
His father, Thomas Lemonis, graduated from Mississippi State in 1973 with a degree in electrical engineering, and Chris spent his earliest days on campus as a newborn.
That connection to Starkville made his role as head coach feel like a homecoming.
Lemonis earned his Bachelor of Science in physical education from The Citadel in 1992, followed by a Master of Arts in sport management in 1994.
As a first baseman for The Citadel, he played in the 1990 College World Series, an experience that shaped his love for high-stakes competition.
After playing, he moved to coaching, starting as an assistant at The Citadel under Fred Jordan in 1995.
He climbed the ranks, serving as associate head coach from 2003 to 2006 before taking the head coaching job at Indiana University in 2014.
At Indiana, Lemonis transformed the Hoosiers into a powerhouse, building on their back-to-back Big Ten Conference championships and a recent College World Series appearance.
His success there paved the way for his move to Mississippi State, where he aimed to elevate the Bulldogs to new heights.
Coach Lemonis Facing Challenges With Grace
The decision to fire Lemonis wasn’t easy for Mississippi State or its fans, who still highly regard his 2021 championship.
Coaching is a demanding profession, with intense pressure to deliver consistent results. Despite the challenges, Lemonis has faced this moment gracefully, supported by Jill and their daughters.
The Lemonis family’s strength lies in its ability to rally together. Whether celebrating victories or weathering setbacks, the family faces every moment as a team.
Jill’s quiet encouragement, Marissa’s vibrant energy, and Kenzi’s thoughtful support have kept Chris grounded.
Their home is filled with love, laughter, and unity that makes any obstacle surmountable.
He’s taking time to recharge and lean on the people who matter most.
Jill, Marissa, and Kenzi are his foundation, reminding him that success isn’t just measured in wins and losses, but also in the love and support of those closest to you.
As Lemonis navigates this new chapter, one thing is clear: with his wife and daughters by his side, he’s ready for whatever the future holds.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Chris was born on January 22, 1970, in Starkville, Mississippi, U.S.
- He was also named to the 1993 All-Southern Conference Tournament team.
