FLORENCE, Ala. (August 13, 2026) – University of North Alabama Director of Athletics Dr. Josh Looney announced a new contract extension for head baseball coach Jad Prachniak on Tuesday, fresh off a record-breaking 2026 season for the program.
 
Prachniak is now extended through the 2030 baseball season with an option to extend through 2031. In July of 2025, Prachniak received an extension through 2028 with an option for 2029.
 
"Jad has done an outstanding job leading our baseball program, and the 2026 season is a reflection of the consistency, culture and expectations he has established," said Looney. "Breaking program records and reaching new heights is a tremendous accomplishment, but what stands out most is the foundation Jad and his staff have built for sustained success. We are excited to extend his contract and continue investing in the future of UNA baseball. As we enter an extremely competitive UAC, we believe Jad is the right person to lead the Lions and build on the momentum of this record-breaking season."
 
This comes off the heels of the most successful baseball season since the transition to Division I. The program delivered the first 30-win campaign since 2018 (its final season in Division II) and won a share of the ASUN Gold Division title — the first regular season conference or division championship for the program since 2005.
 
"Our family loves this area," said Prachniak. "We appreciate how welcoming this community has been and look forward to the future in Florence. The University of North Alabama is a special place; I am fortunate to have an opportunity to work alongside some incredible people. Thankful for the leadership on campus with our president Dr. Ken Kitts and Athletic Director Dr. Josh Looney. Their passion and commitment for UNA shows up every day, and they help set the tone for our athletic department."
 
Prior to his arrival, the Lions won 38 combined games as 18 came through ASUN play over their first four Division I seasons from 2019-22.
 
Prachniak led the 2026 team to a Division I record 31 wins and a single-season ASUN wins record with 19, as the Lions made their first ASUN Championship Final appearance in school history. The team played in 33 innings in less than 24 hours to make their first championship appearance as two of the three games went to extra innings.
 
Prachniak and staff earned their fourth straight season of tallying more overall and conference wins than the year prior.
 
The 2026 team swept four conference opponents as they broke all-time single season marks for fielding percentage (.974) and home runs (85) while shattering 10 Division I records over the previous season.
 
His expertise led Nash Rippen, Dylan Coleman, Will Millard, Wes Walker, Petey Craska and Jackson Westmoreland to All-ASUN selections.
 
Prachniak enters his fifth season at the helm of the North Alabama program in 2027 with 87 wins under his belt; his total wins now rise to 360 over a 13-year span.
 
Prior to UNA, Prachniak was the top assistant coach at Delaware for two years. He was also the head skipper for NCAA Division II powerhouse West Chester, leading the program to a pair of NCAA Division II National Championships in 2012 and 2017.
 
"Our assistant coaches have been instrumental in helping to build our program," said Prachniak. "Associate head coach Nick Patten, recruiting coordinator JD Davis and pitching coach Jacob James are everything you want in a staff. This staff is built of sharp minds that are able to connect with our players and are highly motivated to keep raising the bar.
 
"Our coaching staff embraces the opportunity to work with such special student athletes. It has been a pleasure coaching the guys that put the work in on the field and in the classroom. North Alabama attracts some exceptional people; our program has benefited from that. We are excited to get the team back together and keep building which starts this fall."
 
Prachniak and company return to the diamond in 2027 in the newly-formed United Athletic Conference.
 
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.