University of Hawai‘i head baseball coach Rich Hill has signed a three-year contract extension, the school announced on Friday.
Hill, who was hired as the program's baseball coach following the 2021 season, signed an initial five-year contract that was set to expire after the 2026 season. The Rainbow Warriors are 129-81 under Hill, including 73-41 in Big West Conference games.
Under Hill, the Rainbow Warriors have been competitive in the Big West in all four seasons he's been in Mānoa. In 2025, the Rainbow Warriors finished 35-21 and were a win away from reaching the Big West Tournament semifinals.
Hill, 63, came to Mānoa after 23 years as the head coach at the University of San Diego.
New UH athletics director Matt Elliott, who began in June, made keeping Hill around a priority.
"The winning culture that coach Hill has created has made Rainbow Warrior baseball one of the most exciting programs in the country," Elliott said in a press release. "We are thrilled that coach will continue to develop student-athletes both on and off the field here in Hawai'i, and look forward to his leadership contributing many more memorable moments to a storied program."
Added Hill: "I really want to express my sincere and enthusiastic gratitude to president Wendy Hensel and athletic director Matt Elliott. With this next step for Hawai'i baseball it is clear we mean business. President Hensel and athletic director Elliott have shown exceptional leadership since the day they set foot on campus. I am honored to serve as the Rainbow Baseball head coach and look forward to continuing to bring out the best in our student-athletes, represent the amazing community of Hawai'i, and foster excellence in the classroom."
Hawai‘i's 2026 season will begin on Feb. 13 with a four-game series against Gonzaga.
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Christian Shimabuku can be reached at christian@alohastatedaily.com.
