MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Georgia College Director of Athletics Wendell Staton introduced Jason Eller as the new head coach of the Bobcat Baseball program Thursday. Eller becomes the ninth coach in program history. 

Eller comes to Bobcat Nation after an amazing three-year turnaround at Peach Belt Conference (PBC) rival Augusta University. The Jaguars had a breakthrough season in 2016, as he led Augusta to a No. 18 national ranking and a 29-22 overall record — the program’s first winning season since 2008. The team also made their first PBC Tournament appearance since the 2011 season.

“It is a privilege and honor to be the next head coach of Georgia College Baseball,” said Eller. “We look forward to creating an environment within our baseball program that will make our faculty, staff, students and fans proud. The academic mission of Georgia College combined with the student-athlete experience makes our institution one of the most unique and sought after in the country. The next step is connecting with our alumni, our campus and the community of Milledgeville, as well as implementing a life-enhancing culture. I am very humbled and thankful to lead this new chapter in the great tradition that is Bobcat Baseball.”

Eller takes the reigns of a Bobcat squad that impressed many in 2016, going 33-17 and finishing two wins away from what would have been their third PBC Tournament title in the last four seasons. Returning to that squad are PBC Pitcher of the Year Cameron Busby (Grovetown), PBC Freshman of the Year in Wesley Wommack (Monroe) and four All-PBC players in Busby, Matthew Miller (Escondido, Calif.), Logan Mattix (Loganville) and Brandon Benson (Loganville).

“We are thrilled to welcome Jason Eller as our head baseball coach,” said Staton. “Jason is committed to providing an outstanding and holistic student-athlete experience. He has proven success in developing student-athletes academically, socially, and athletically. Working for USG institutions for the past 15 years, the relationships he has developed throughout the state will aid him as he identifies student-athletes who will strengthen our University. Jason is a great fit for Georgia College. He will be an excellent mentor for our student-athletes and we are excited to bring him to Milledgeville.”

Before coming to Augusta, Eller spent the previous 11 seasons on the University of Georgia’s coaching staff, including the last seven years as a full-time assistant under head coach David Perno. In June, 2012, he was named pitching coach after assisting Perno with the hurlers during the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Eller also coordinated UGA’s recruiting efforts from 2007-12.

Eller coached or signed 11 players that played in the 2015 Major League Baseball (MLB) Playoffs.

Eller was a part of three Georgia squads that advanced to the College World Series (CWS), including in 2008 when the Bulldogs were the national runner-up. Eller made his mark as a recruiter, setting a new Bulldog standard with 49 players selected in seven Major League Baseball (MLB) drafts, including a school-record 11 signees in 2011. Georgia’s 2011 recruiting class was ranked as high as No. 2 nationally by Perfect Game USA.

Eller came to the Bulldogs from his alma mater of Georgia State where he spent the 2002 season as an assistant on Mike Hurst’s staff. Eller served as hitting instructor, worked with outfielders and was the team’s strength training coordinator. He gained additional experience as a part of the East Cobb baseball program. He was the manager of the 2003 Perfect Game Junior Division champion East Cobb Braves. He served as manager of the 18 and under CABA World Series championship East Cobb Tigers squad in 2001 and assistant coach of the 2000 team that won the CABA World Series.

A 1998 graduate of Georgia State with a B.A. in sociology, Eller was a four-year letterman for the Panther Baseball program from 1992-95. He is married to the former Amy Jones of Sandersville. They have twins, Kole and Kennedy.