by HBCU Sports
In a landmark achievement for Jackson State University’s baseball program, head coach Omar Johnson secured his 600th career victory.
On Sunday, Johnson secured the milestone win in the Tigers’ 5-0 victory over Mississippi Valley State.
Johnson, who has been at the helm of the Tigers since 2007, reached this milestone after nearly two decades of consistent excellence. He joins former JSU head coach Robert “Bob” Braddy as only the second coach in program history to surpass 600 wins, with Braddy holding a record of 824 wins.
Throughout his tenure, Johnson has led Jackson State to winning seasons yearly, boasting 14 campaigns with 30 or more wins in 16 seasons. Under his guidance, the Tigers have claimed seven SWAC Eastern Division titles and two SWAC Championships, including back-to-back tournament titles in 2013 and 2014.
In the 2014 NCAA Tournament, Johnson’s team secured the program’s first Division I postseason victory by defeating the No. 1-ranked Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns 1-0.
In 2021, Jackson State was ranked No. 1 in the Black College Nines HBCU Baseball large school poll and earned votes in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Top 30 poll, highlighting the program’s national recognition under his leadership.
Before joining Jackson State, Johnson was an assistant coach at the University of North Alabama and contributed to the German national team’s international successes.
His coaching philosophy focuses on winning games and preparing young men to be positive contributors to society.
Reflecting on his sustained success, Johnson credited his winning record to recruiting talented players and assembling a strong coaching staff. His ability to maintain a winning season for 18 consecutive years is a testament to his leadership and dedication to the sport.
Coach Johnson’s milestone win celebrates his enduring impact on Jackson State baseball and is a beacon of excellence in HBCU baseball.
Key Milestones in Omar Johnson’s Coaching Career at Jackson State:
100th win: April 22, 2009 vs. Lemoyne-Owen
200th win: May 5, 2012 vs. Alabama A&M
300th win: May 14, 2015 vs. Prairie View A&M
400th win: April 28, 2018 vs. Alcorn State
500th win: April 23, 2022 vs. Alabama State
600th win: May 4, 2025 vs. Mississippi Valley State