The head coach of the regular season Sun Belt baseball champs is staying put.

Owls head coach John McCormack signed a four-year deal Monday afternoon, Sept. 17, to remain at FAU. McCormack was previously working under a series of one-year deals, but new Athletics Director Pat Chun understood the importance of retaining him.

“John [McCormack] is the best baseball coach in our league and one of the best in the nation. We are fortunate to have him serve our student-athletes and our great university,” Chun said to fausports.com. “We are proud of what the baseball team has accomplished under John’s leadership and feel this commitment goes a long way to ensuring our future success.”

McCormack, who led the Owls to the regular season Sun Belt title in two of the past three seasons, is grateful for the opportunity to extend his coaching career at FAU.

“Extending my contract is a validation that we are representing FAU at a high level, both in the classroom and on the field,” McCormack said to fausports.com. “I would like to thank President Saunders, Pat Chun (athletics director) and Melissa Dawson (senior associate athletic director) for the commitment they made to my family and I.”

McCormack became the Owls coach in 2009 after spending 11 years as an assistant coach for previous head coach Kevin Cooney. It was not only his performance as a coach that impressed Chun, however.

“Coach McCormack espouses all the values we look for in our head coaches,” Chun said. “He is a great teacher and mentor. Above all else, he is a good person.”