University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: AINSLEY E. FAUTH
Scott Forbes Signs New Contract Extension
March 31, 2026 | Baseball
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – North Carolina baseball head coach Scott Forbes, who has led his team to five NCAA Regionals, three Super Regionals and one College World Series during his five-year tenure, has agreed to terms on a new contract extension. The deal, which was approved by UNC's Board of Trustees last week, will keep Forbes in Chapel Hill through at least the 2031 season.
 "The success that Carolina baseball has experienced under Scott has been phenomenal, and that is a great credit to his dedication to developing not only terrific baseball players, but also outstanding Tar Heel student-athletes who want to give back to the Carolina community," director of athletics Bubba Cunningham said. "He makes everyone around him better, and we are glad he will continue to do that for years to come."
Added executive associate athletic director Steve Newmark: "Scott is such a special part of the UNC family, as he cares so deeply about the people associated with his program – the student-athletes, his fellow coaches, staff, donors, faculty and fans. Of course, he has demonstrated that he knows how to win games, but more importantly he knows how to lead by example and serves as a role model for his program and players. We are thrilled that he will be representing our university as head coach for many more years."
Forbes, who is in the midst of another successful campaign in his sixth year in charge of the Diamond Heels, has led his team to a 224-108-1 (.674) record since taking the head coaching reigns from the Hall of Famer Mike Fox. Forbes has led Carolina to the NCAA postseason in all five seasons of his tenure, the first coach in program history to do so. In that span, his team has hosted three NCAA Regionals and Super Regionals and advanced to the College World Series in 2024.
Named the ACC Coach of the Year in 2024, Forbes has also had tremendous success in conference competition. He has led the Heels to a pair of ACC Tournament championships (2022, 2025) and an ACC Coastal Division championship (2024).
"It is an honor and a privilege to continue to have the opportunity to serve our players and this program," Forbes said. "Carolina baseball always begins and ends with our players. I cannot thank all of our current and former Tar Heels enough for their commitment to this program. They are why we do what we do. I also am blessed to work alongside the best coaching and support staff in the country. We are constantly humbled that we get to come into our building every day to help develop these young men into the best possible versions of themselves on and off the field.
"I am extremely grateful to Chancellor Roberts, Bubba Cunningham, Steve Newmark, our Board of Trustees and all of our administration for their commitment to Carolina baseball, their investment in our sport, and their continued belief in me. They, along with our tremendous donors, mean so much to our program."
An incredible developer of talent, Forbes and his staff have coached nine All-Americas, had 26 named to an All-ACC team, and seen 21 taken in the MLB Draft. Jake Knapp and his comeback story highlights his most recent crop of superstars, winning National and ACC Pitcher-of-the-Year honors as well as being a unanimous All-America selection.
In his 25 years as a member of the Tar Heels' coaching staff, Forbes has helped lead UNC to 19 NCAA Tournament appearances, eight trips to the College World Series, eight ACC division titles, and five ACC Tournament titles.
Off the field success has been a high priority in the Forbes era of Carolina baseball. Thirty six Tar Heels have earned All-ACC Academic honors thanks to hard work in the classroom in his time as head coach.
His teams have also garnered a reputation for their outstanding involvement in the community, actively playing big roles with organizations such as the UNC Children's Hospital and the Miracle League of the Triangle.Â
"I would not be the man I am today without the support of my family,'' Forbes said. "Most importantly, I want to thank Mandy, my wife of 25 years, my two awesome daughters, Hannah and Ally, and my mom and dad for all that they do for me.
"And I also want to thank our fans. We are so proud to be a part of Tar Heel Nation! We love and appreciate you all, and we need you the rest of the season so come out, pack the Bosh, and be loud! Go Heels!"
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 "The success that Carolina baseball has experienced under Scott has been phenomenal, and that is a great credit to his dedication to developing not only terrific baseball players, but also outstanding Tar Heel student-athletes who want to give back to the Carolina community," director of athletics Bubba Cunningham said. "He makes everyone around him better, and we are glad he will continue to do that for years to come."
Added executive associate athletic director Steve Newmark: "Scott is such a special part of the UNC family, as he cares so deeply about the people associated with his program – the student-athletes, his fellow coaches, staff, donors, faculty and fans. Of course, he has demonstrated that he knows how to win games, but more importantly he knows how to lead by example and serves as a role model for his program and players. We are thrilled that he will be representing our university as head coach for many more years."
Forbes, who is in the midst of another successful campaign in his sixth year in charge of the Diamond Heels, has led his team to a 224-108-1 (.674) record since taking the head coaching reigns from the Hall of Famer Mike Fox. Forbes has led Carolina to the NCAA postseason in all five seasons of his tenure, the first coach in program history to do so. In that span, his team has hosted three NCAA Regionals and Super Regionals and advanced to the College World Series in 2024.
Named the ACC Coach of the Year in 2024, Forbes has also had tremendous success in conference competition. He has led the Heels to a pair of ACC Tournament championships (2022, 2025) and an ACC Coastal Division championship (2024).
"It is an honor and a privilege to continue to have the opportunity to serve our players and this program," Forbes said. "Carolina baseball always begins and ends with our players. I cannot thank all of our current and former Tar Heels enough for their commitment to this program. They are why we do what we do. I also am blessed to work alongside the best coaching and support staff in the country. We are constantly humbled that we get to come into our building every day to help develop these young men into the best possible versions of themselves on and off the field.
"I am extremely grateful to Chancellor Roberts, Bubba Cunningham, Steve Newmark, our Board of Trustees and all of our administration for their commitment to Carolina baseball, their investment in our sport, and their continued belief in me. They, along with our tremendous donors, mean so much to our program."
An incredible developer of talent, Forbes and his staff have coached nine All-Americas, had 26 named to an All-ACC team, and seen 21 taken in the MLB Draft. Jake Knapp and his comeback story highlights his most recent crop of superstars, winning National and ACC Pitcher-of-the-Year honors as well as being a unanimous All-America selection.
In his 25 years as a member of the Tar Heels' coaching staff, Forbes has helped lead UNC to 19 NCAA Tournament appearances, eight trips to the College World Series, eight ACC division titles, and five ACC Tournament titles.
Off the field success has been a high priority in the Forbes era of Carolina baseball. Thirty six Tar Heels have earned All-ACC Academic honors thanks to hard work in the classroom in his time as head coach.
His teams have also garnered a reputation for their outstanding involvement in the community, actively playing big roles with organizations such as the UNC Children's Hospital and the Miracle League of the Triangle.Â
"I would not be the man I am today without the support of my family,'' Forbes said. "Most importantly, I want to thank Mandy, my wife of 25 years, my two awesome daughters, Hannah and Ally, and my mom and dad for all that they do for me.
"And I also want to thank our fans. We are so proud to be a part of Tar Heel Nation! We love and appreciate you all, and we need you the rest of the season so come out, pack the Bosh, and be loud! Go Heels!"
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Players Mentioned
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