OBU Athletics
SHAWNEE – Oklahoma Baptist assistant Chris Cox has been named the next head coach of the Bison baseball program. Athletics Director Robert Davenport made the official announcement Monday.
“I am excited about the future of OBU baseball under Chris’s leadership,” Davenport said. “He has gained tremendous experience over the last several years and we look forward to him continuing the great tradition here on Bison Hill.”
Cox, a Shawnee native and the son of former head coach Bobby Cox, came to Bison Hill as an assistant coach prior to the 2014-15 season.
Before joining the Bison staff, Cox was the assistant coach at Northern Oklahoma College from 2007-2012, where his team led the nation in hitting in 2010. He also served as an assistant coach at Vernon College in 2013-2014.
“It’s humbling and a blessing to get this opportunity at place that’s always been home” Cox said.
“I’m honored to be able to give back and be a part of this program for what I hope is the rest of my career, and for OBU to have the faith in me to be the next leader of Bison baseball.
“I’m especially grateful to Robert Davenport, President Taylor, and Dr. Susan DeWoody for their confidence in me and giving me the chance to lead a program with this type of prestige. I hope to continue that same tradition and success that Bison baseball has had for the last 35 years.”
Cox completed an associate degree from NOC Tonkawa in 2004, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies from OBU in 2007.
He played baseball at both universities, and was a member of the 2003 NOC team that reached the regional final. He batted .319 with two home runs, eight doubles, and 40 RBI during his senior season as a Bison, and was a member of the 2006 OBU team that was ranked as high as No. 2 in the nation.
Cox attended high school at Dale, where he was coached by OBU Hall of Famer Bruce Throckmorton. Between the fall and spring baseball seasons, he was a member of five state championships.
Stepping into the leadership role following his father’s retirement after 35 seasons on Bison Hill, Cox takes the reigns of an OBU program that has thrived since making the transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division II. The Bison have earned an NCAA regional bid in each of their first two years of postseason eligibility, and also claimed the first Great American Conference Tournament title in school history in May.
Bison fans can follow Coach Cox on Twitter (@CoachCox10). For complete coverage of the OBU baseball program, follow them on social media (@OBU_Baseball).