ARKADELPHIA – Ouachita Baptist University Head Baseball Coach Luke Howard has resigned from his position with the Tigers to pursue another coaching opportunity.

Ouachita Director of Athletics David Sharp has announced the promotion of Dave Brown to interim head coach after serving as an assistant coach for the previous six seasons, most recently as pitching coach and recruiting coordinator.

Howard had a successful run as head coach of the Tigers from 2019-2026, highlighted by back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in 2022 and 2023 and a total of 194 wins over the past eight years. He coached 33 All-Great American Conference selections, six all-region honorees, and two All-Americans.

"We're thankful for Coach Howard for all he has done for our baseball program," said Sharp. "He worked hard to make us a yearly contender in the GAC and in our region and improved the program greatly in all areas. I wish Luke and his family nothing but the best as they start a new chapter."

Dave Brown has been an instrumental part of the program's success, helping build the roster and maintain the program's high standards in all areas. He has been directly involved with 10 All-GAC pitchers, two of which broke school records in wins, strikeouts, and saves. Under Brown's leadership, Ouachita's pitching has been near the top of the GAC in ERA.

"Coach Brown has earned this opportunity with his professionalism and proven track record," said Sharp. "He has my full support as he takes over as interim head coach."

Brown joined the Ouachita staff in 2021 after two seasons as the assistant pitching coach at Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, New Jersey. Mercer County was 44-19 in Brown's two seasons, reaching a No. 11 national ranking in 2019. He also spent two seasons as the Pitching Coach for the High Point-Thomasville HiToms of the Coastal Plain League.