CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia baseball head coach Chris Pollard announced Friday (Aug. 21) that Eric Tyler has been promoted to associate head coach. Tyler had previously served as hitting coach and recruiting coordinator.
“We talk a lot in this program about earned recognition and earned opportunities. Eric Tyler has absolutely earned this promotion. He possesses an exceptional level of emotional intelligence. His talent in relationship building has been so vital to the current momentum within the program,” Pollard said. “From recruiting to retention to player development, Eric has been front and center in every aspect. I look forward to working with “ET” in this new and expanded role.”
In his first season on Grounds, Tyler oversaw a Cavalier offense that rewrote the UVA record book by hitting 98 home runs during the 2026 campaign, the second-most in program history. Tyler’s offense also claimed all-time top 10 marks in home runs per game (1.63/2nd), slugging percentage (.488/6th), runs (481/7th), runs per game (8/7th), RBIs (442/7th), and total bases (987/7th).
Under Tyler’s tutelage, UVA outfielder AJ Gracia claimed three All-American honors before being selected ninth overall by the Atlanta Braves in July’s Major League Baseball Draft. Gracia became the 17th Cavalier to be selected in the first round and the first to go in the top 10 since Pavin Smith and Adam Haseley went eighth and ninth overall in 2017.
Also under his guidance, Eric Becker earned third team All-ACC honors and was selected 58th overall by the Cincinnati Reds, while Joe Tiroly led UVA with 16 home runs in 2026 en route to being drafted 215th overall by the San Diego Padres.
Prior to Virginia, Tyler spent three seasons at Duke. In his final season, the Blue Devils set school records in runs (516), home runs (115), RBIs (488) and walks (408).
During his first two seasons at Duke, Tyler coached three freshman All-Americans, one All-American, five All-ACC recipients, eight regional or ACC Championship members, and two regional or ACC Championship Most Outstanding Players.
Before jumping to the collegiate ranks, Tyler spent four years as the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Teams with Baseball Rebellion.
A graduate of East Carolina University, Tyler started at third base for the Pirates from 2015-17. During his time in Greenville, the Landis, N.C. native compiled a .296 average in 219 career games. He drove in 107 RBI, 43 doubles, walked 72 times, stole 16 bases, and gathered 57 extra base hits, including 14 home runs. A First Team All-AAC recipient in 2017, Tyler was an East Carolina team captain during the 2016-17 season. After graduating from ECU, he joined the Pirates coaching staff under Cliff Godwin.
““I’m extremely grateful to Coach Pollard and our administration for this opportunity. I’m fortunate to work alongside an outstanding coaching staff and support an incredible group of student-athletes,” Tyler said. I’m excited for what’s ahead and grateful to be a part of the Virginia Baseball family as we continue our commitment to developing great men and competing for championships.”