Pittsburg State University Vice President for Athletics & Recreation Jim Johnson announced today (May 27) that Brock Buckingham has been hired as the Gorillas head baseball coach.
Buckingham becomes just the sixth head coach in the 46-year history of the program. He replaces Bob Fornelli, who retired from his position following the end of the Gorillas record breaking 2025 season that just culminated with a 42-12 record and a trip to the NCAA Division II Super Regionals.
Fornelli compiled a 215-116 (.650) record leading the Gorillas during the past seven seasons (2019-2025). He became just the fourth active NCAA Division II head coach to reach 1,100 career victories in the Gorillas' 13-7 win vs. Northeastern State on Mar. 30. Fornelli finished his legendary 29-year coaching career with a 1,120-495 (.693) record.
"I am incredibly excited to join the Pittsburg State baseball program,” Buckingham said. “I want to thank Coach Fornelli and Jim Johnson for this opportunity. I am eager to continue the tradition of a successful baseball program. I have big shoes to fill following Coach Fornelli and a record breaking season, but I look forward to the challenge. My family and I are excited to be part of a great college and community.”
Buckingham comes to Pitt State from Cowley College in Arkansas City, Kan., where he has served as an assistant coach for 17 seasons (2005-06, 2011-25), including the past six years as associate head coach for head coach Darren Burroughs. During his tenure, Buckingham has helped the perennial powerhouse Tigers amass 720 victories, capture nine Jayhawk Conference East Division titles and qualify for the JUCO World Series five times. Cowley placed third overall in 2017 and finished as the national runner-up in 2022. The Tigers wrapped up the 2025 season with a 45-12 record earlier this month. The Tigers placed second in the Jayhawk East regular season standings and advanced to the Great Plains District Tournament
"We are thrilled to have Brock Buckingham join the Pitt State family as the Gorillas new baseball coach," Johnson said. "Coach ‘Buck’is a well-known name in the Jayhawk Conference and the collegiate ranks. He has enjoyed a long, highly successful career as an assistant for the Burroughs brothers (Dave and Darren) at Cowley; and we’re confident he’s ready for this opportunity to lead the Gorillas program moving forward.”
Buckingham returned to Cowley College for a second stint as an assistant baseball coach during the 2011 season. He previously served as an assistant coach for the Tigers during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Buckingham was a volunteer assistant with the team in 2004. Prior to his first coaching stint at Cowley, he served as a student assistant at Arkansas State University.
Buckingham was a middle infielder for the Cowley baseball team in 1999 and 2000 earning All-Jayhawk Conference honors as a sophomore in 2000. He then transferred to Arkansas State, where he played for two years and garnered All-Sun Belt Conference accolades as a senior in 2002.
After graduating from Arkansas State with a bachelor’s of science degree in interdisciplinary studies, Buckingham played one year of baseball for the Winnipeg Gold Eyes. He received a master’s degree of science in leadership from Southwestern College.
Buckingham was an All-State baseball player and the Southwest Missouri Player of the Year during his senior year at McDonald County High School in Anderson, Mo.
He and his wife, Jessica, have two sons, Briggs and Brant, and a daughter, Brynn.
