Forbes Inks Contract Extension

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – North Carolina baseball head coach Scott Forbes, the reigning ACC Coach of the Year who led the Diamond Heels to their 12th College World Series appearance over the summer, has agreed to terms on a new five-year contract. The deal will keep him at the helm through at least June 30, 2029.

"It has been outstanding to watch Carolina Baseball continue to thrive under the leadership of Coach Scott Forbes,'' said Carolina Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham. "His commitment to winning at the highest level is surpassed only by his dedication to developing and mentoring successful student-athletes who want to give back to the Carolina community in positive ways. He truly cares about people, and he is focused on making everyone around him better each and every day. We are happy that he will remain our coach for years to come."

Forbes, who in 2025 enters his fifth season at the helm and 20^th consecutive year on the Tar Heel staff, is the first coach in program history to reach the NCAA tournament in each of his first four seasons. Since taking up the mantle for the soon-to-be Hall of Famer Mike Fox, Forbes has amassed a 154-89 (.643) record on his way to winning both ACC Coastal and ACC tournament titles.

The program has steadily improved in each season he has been in charge, culminating in last year's run to Omaha. In 2024, UNC went 48-16 overall and earned the No. 4 overall seed for the NCAA Tournament with Forbes being voted ABCA Atlantic Region Coach of the Year. It was the Heel's first world series trip since 2018.

"It is a privilege to serve our players, this incredible university and athletic department," Forbes said. "UNC baseball begins and ends with our players. The program will always be about them and they are what make us special. They are why we do what we do, and I am humbled by the opportunity to continue to serve them."

"I am also blessed to work with the best coaching and support staff in the country. They work tirelessly to serve our players and our program, and I am so lucky to work alongside them each day."
"I am extremely grateful for Chancellor Lee Roberts, Bubba Cunningham and his staff, and our Board of Trustees for their commitment to Carolina Baseball, their belief in me and their investment in our sport. They, along with our tremendous donors, mean so much to our program."

"I have the best family support in the world. I want to thank Mandy, Hannah, and Ally for all they do. We have been so lucky to raise our girls in this Tar Heel community. Tar Heel Nation! We love and appreciate you! Let's keep the Bosh rocking and rowdy just like we did in the regionals and supers last year. Can't wait to see you on February 14! Go Heels!"

In his 23 years as a member of the Tar Heels' coaching staff, Forbes has helped lead UNC to 18 NCAA tournament appearances, eight trips to the College World Series, eight ACC division titles, and four ACC tournament titles.

While the Carolina head coach, seven Tar Heels have received All-America honors, 16 have been named to an All-ACC team, and 17 have been taken in the MLB Draft. Most recently highlighted by Vance Honeycutt who was a two-time All-American and ACC Defensive Player of the Year under Forbes before becoming the program's 25^th first round pick after being taken by the Orioles this past July.

The schedule for Forbes and company's 2025 season is expected to be announced soon. Follow @DiamondHeels on Twitter and @CarolinaBaseball on Instagram to stay up to date.

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University of North Carolina Athletics

Players Mentioned

Vance Honeycutt

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