Coach steps down to return to family; interim coach named
FULLERTON — Cal State Fullerton announced Monday that Jason Dietrich has stepped down as head baseball coach, effective immediately, saying he is leaving to be closer to his family in North Carolina.
"This has been an incredibly difficult decision, but ultimately, I believe it is the right decision for both my family and the Titans baseball program," Dietrich said in the university statement. "A year ago, my wife and kids made the decision to move back to North Carolina, with my son beginning high school. Being away from them over the past year has been challenging, and after a lot of thought and consideration, I feel now is the right time for me to return home and be with my family."
Dietrich has been with the Titans for nine years, including the past five seasons as head coach. He became the sixth head coach in program history when he took the role prior to the 2022 season. In his second season as head coach he led the team to an NCAA Regionals appearance.
Interim leadership and university response
Cal State Fullerton’s vice president for intercollegiate athletics, Jim Donovan, thanked Dietrich for his work and said the university respects his decision to prioritize family.
"I'm grateful for Coach Dietrich's dedication and contributions to our baseball program, particularly the current culture he helped establish," Donovan said. "I completely understand and respect his decision to be closer to his family, and I'm grateful for his commitment to our student-athletes and the Titans. I wish Jason and his family nothing but the best in the future."
The university announced that assistant coach Cory Vanderhook will serve as interim head coach through the 2027 season. Vanderhook had returned to Cal State Fullerton as an assistant on Aug. 14 after seven seasons at UNLV.
- Coach: Jason Dietrich — resigned effective immediately
- Tenure at CSUF: nine years (five as head coach)
- Interim coach: Cory Vanderhook — through 2027 season
What this means for the program and the community
Dietrich's departure creates an immediate leadership change for a program with a long history in Fullerton. Cal State Fullerton baseball has been a focal point of the university’s athletics identity; any coaching transition tends to draw attention from alumni, donors and local fans who regularly attend games at Goodwin Field and follow recruiting and roster developments.
The interim appointment of Vanderhook provides continuity entering the coming months. Vanderhook’s recent return to Fullerton after seven years at UNLV gives him familiarity with the program and the region, though the university has not outlined a timeline for a permanent search or additional staffing announcements.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Resignation effective | Immediate |
| Reason given | Family — move to North Carolina to be with wife and children |
| Interim coach | Cory Vanderhook (through 2027) |
In its announcement, the athletics department encouraged fans to continue supporting Titans athletics and provided ticket office contact information for those seeking details on upcoming games and events. The university also emphasized gratitude for Dietrich’s contributions while noting Vanderhook’s appointment as the next step for the program.
For many in Fullerton, the change will be measured not just in wins and losses but in recruitment, player development and the campus culture Dietrich helped shape during his nine-year association with the Titans. The program’s next moves — whether a permanent coaching search, contract decisions or staffing adjustments — will be closely watched by supporters and stakeholders connected to Cal State Fullerton baseball.
Officials did not provide additional details about a timeline for a permanent coaching replacement or comment on how the transition might affect recruiting or upcoming seasons.
Fans and community members seeking ticket information or updates on the baseball program were directed to FullertonTitansTickets.com and the Athletics Ticket Office.
