Larry Cochell

Larry Cochell
Name	Larry Cochell
Current title	Former head coach
Sport	Baseball
College	University of Oklahoma
Title	Head coach
Years	1991–2005
Overall	429–300–1
Tournament	College World Series: 1992, 1994, 1995
Awards	Big Eight Coach of the Year (1994), Big 12 Coach of the Year (2001)

Larry Cochell is an American former college baseball coach, best known for his tenure as the head coach of the University of Oklahoma Sooners from 1991 to 2005. He led the program to three appearances in the College World Series and won multiple conference coach of the year awards. Cochell's coaching career spanned over three decades, including successful head coaching positions at several universities before his time in Norman, Oklahoma.

Early life and education

Larry Cochell was born in Colusa, California, and attended Colusa High School. He pursued his higher education at Fresno State University, where he played college baseball for the Bulldogs. Cochell later earned a master's degree from California State University, Los Angeles, which provided a foundation for his future career in coaching and education.

Playing career

Cochell was a catcher during his playing days at Fresno State University. Although he did not advance to Major League Baseball, his experience as a player at the collegiate level deeply informed his understanding of the game. His time with the Bulldogs under coaches like Pete Beiden helped shape his approach to the sport before he transitioned fully into coaching.

Coaching career

Cochell began his head coaching career at Cal State Los Angeles in 1970, quickly establishing a winning program. He then moved to the University of Northern Iowa, where he continued to build his reputation. His first major success came at Oral Roberts University, where he led the Golden Eagles to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. After a stint at Northwestern University, Cochell took over the University of Oklahoma program in 1991. At Oklahoma, he guided the team to the College World Series in 1992, 1994, and 1995, cementing the Sooners as a national power. He coached numerous future Major League Baseball players, including Mark Redman and Rich Hill, and won Big Eight and Big 12 Coach of the Year honors. His tenure ended in 2005.

Head coaching record

Over his career, Cochell compiled an overall record of 1,099–673–6. His record at the University of Oklahoma was 429–300–1. His teams consistently competed in the NCAA Tournament, and he achieved significant success in both the Big Eight Conference and the Big 12 Conference. Season-by-season records are documented in media guides from Oral Roberts University, Northwestern University, and the University of Oklahoma.

Personal life

Details about Cochell's personal life, including family, are not widely publicized. Following his retirement from coaching, he has maintained a relatively private life. He remains a respected figure among the baseball communities in Oklahoma and California.

Legacy and honors

Larry Cochell is remembered as a program-builder who returned the University of Oklahoma to prominence in college baseball. His three College World Series appearances are a key part of the Sooners' storied history. Honors include being named the Big Eight Coach of the Year in 1994 and the Big 12 Coach of the Year in 2001. His influence extended to the many players he coached who advanced to Major League Baseball, and his tenure is regarded as a successful era for Oklahoma Sooners baseball.

Category:American college baseball coaches Category:Fresno State Bulldogs baseball players Category:Oklahoma Sooners baseball coaches