Seminole State College of Florida Director of Athletics Diana Couch announced the appointment of Bobby Rinard as head baseball coach. Rinard takes over the Raiders baseball program following the retirement of longtime head coach Mike Nicholson. Rinard (pronounced ruh-NARD) brings 13 years of coaching experience to Seminole State  and joins the Raiders after spending the 2026 season at the University of Utah as an assistant coach.

"The hiring of Bobby Rinard marks an exciting new era for Raider Baseball," said Couch. "Throughout the search process, Bobby demonstrated a clear vision for building a high caliber program while embracing the complete student-athlete experience. He brings a fresh perspective, renewed energy and a holistic approach that recognizes the importance of success not only on the field, but also in the classroom, on campus, and in the community. Bobby understands what it takes to develop well-rounded student-athletes and we are excited about the future of Raider Baseball under his leadership."

While in Salt Lake City, Rinard assisted in all day-to-day aspects of the program while also working directly with the catchers. He served as the team's first base coach and coordinated Utah's camp program as well.

"I am incredibly grateful to Diana Couch, President Lorenz and the Seminole State community for the chance to lead this program," Rinard said. "I would also like to recognize the impact that Coach Nicholson has made on our College over so many years. My wife, Francesca, and I are excited to get to know our players and continue the standard of developing great teams and talented players."
Rinard added, "Lastly, thanks to Coach Henderson and the entire team at Utah for the season we spent together. I'm excited to see what's ahead for the Utes and will be cheering them on from afar."

With Rinard on staff at Utah, the Utes had four Big 12 All-Conference award recipients in 2026. The team had two MLB Draft selections, highlighted by ABCA All-Region left fielder Jake Long, who was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 13th round.

His season with the Utes was a historic one as the team opened a new on-campus ballpark. Utah recorded 16 wins at home, the most for the program in at least the last 35 years. Meanwhile, the Utes' .307 batting average was the team's highest since 2008 and ranked among the top 25 in NCAA Division I.
Defensively, Utah turned 52 double plays and led the Big 12 during the regular season. In conference play, the Utes ranked fourth in fielding percentage and had the third-fewest errors among conference teams.

Before coming to Salt Lake City, Rinard spent 11 seasons as an assistant coach at Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah. He primarily worked with outfielders, hitters and baserunners and served as recruiting coordinator during his time with the Trailblazers. He was promoted to associate head coach for his final two seasons under Chris Pfatenhauer.

Rinard's tenure at Utah Tech included helping guide the program through its transition from NCAA Division II to Division I. During that span, the Trailblazers earned 283 victories, won a conference championship and advanced to three NCAA Regional appearances. Position players coached by Rinard earned 35 all-conference honors, 11 all-region selections and five All-America recognitions.
In Utah Tech's first five seasons at the Division I level, Rinard helped the Trailblazers record nine victories over Power Conference opponents, including a win over then-No. 6 Arizona during the 2021 season. Four position players earned first-team All-WAC honors during that stretch.

During Utah Tech's final six seasons in Division II, the Trailblazers fielded one of the nation's most productive offenses. From 2015-19, the program ranked among the top four teams in its conference in batting average every season and led the PacWest Conference in both 2016 and 2017. The 2017 squad set a program record with a .340 batting average, ranking second nationally.
Defensively, Utah Tech posted a .973 fielding percentage in 2015, leading the PacWest Conference and finishing among the top 10 teams in Division II.
Before joining Utah Tech, Rinard spent the 2014 season at his alma mater, the University of Arizona, as an undergraduate assistant coach. He worked with outfielders and hitters, served as first base coach and assisted in numerous aspects of the Wildcats' program.

A native of South Bend, Indiana, Rinard played collegiately at Yavapai College (2008-09) and the University of Arizona (2010-11). He earned All-Conference honors at Yavapai in 2009 after posting a .350 batting average with 76 hits, 53 runs scored and 39 RBIs. At Arizona, he appeared in 70 career games and helped the Wildcats reach two NCAA Regional tournaments.
Rinard was selected by the New York Mets in the 43rd round of the 2009 MLB Draft and later signed a free-agent contract with the New York Yankees in 2011. He played three professional seasons before beginning his coaching career.

He earned his bachelor's degree in general studies from Arizona in 2014. Rinard will be joined in Sanford by his wife, Francesca.