REDDING, Calif. — After more than a decade of service to Simpson University, Head Baseball Coach Dan Tating has announced his resignation, bringing an end to one of the most impactful eras in the history of Red Hawk athletics.
Tating, who first arrived at Simpson in 2014 as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, helped lead a remarkable transformation of the baseball program, both on and off the field. During his time at Simpson, he became the winningest coach in program history, helped guide the Red Hawks to their first men's team conference championship, and played a central role in the development of the university's first on-campus baseball facility.
"On behalf of our university and athletics department, we thank Coach Tating for the extraordinary leadership, dedication, and care he has given to our baseball program for the last 12 years," said Simpson University Athletic Director Rob Harley. "His impact is measured not only in the success of his teams, but in the lives of the student-athletes, coaches, and alumni he has mentored. Coach Tating leaves behind a program built on integrity, competitiveness, and pride, and we are deeply grateful for his lasting contributions to Simpson University."
When Tating arrived at Simpson, the baseball program was facing significant challenges. The Red Hawks had compiled a combined record of just 3-93 over the previous two seasons, played their home games off campus, and were working to rebuild both competitive success and campus momentum.
After spending three seasons helping lay the foundation through recruiting, player development, and culture building, Tating was elevated to head coach during the 2018 season. Over the next eight seasons, he led one of the most significant turnarounds in Simpson athletics history.
Under his leadership, the Red Hawks recorded the first winning season in program history, won their first postseason game in more than a decade, defeated multiple nationally ranked NCAA Division II opponents, and captured the first men's team conference championship in Simpson University history. Simpson also reached the postseason five times in six years, establishing itself as one of the premier programs in the California Pacific Conference.
The individual accolades reflected the program's rise. During Tating's tenure, Simpson players earned 12 First Team All-Conference selections, 20 Second Team All-Conference selections, and five Conference Player of the Year awards. Several former Red Hawks also went on to play professional or semi-professional baseball, further demonstrating the program's growth and player development success.
In 2025, Tating was recognized as the California Pacific Conference Coach of the Year.
Beyond the wins and awards, Tating's impact was also seen in the academic and personal development of his student-athletes. During his tenure, Simpson Baseball transformed from one of the lowest-performing academic programs on campus into one of the strongest. The team consistently maintained a GPA above 3.0 despite carrying one of the largest rosters in the athletic department.
Perhaps nowhere is Tating's impact more visible than the baseball field that now sits on Simpson's campus.
For decades, Simpson Baseball existed without a true home field. Players practiced and competed away from campus, creating challenges for recruiting, player development, and program growth. Rather than accept those limitations, Tating launched a fundraising campaign and helped lead the effort to build the university's first on-campus baseball facility.
The project became a labor of love. Alongside volunteers, donors, alumni, players, and community members, Tating spent countless hours physically helping build the facility. From construction projects to field preparation and facility improvements, he became as much builder as baseball coach.
"Some of our fondest memories are of Coach Tating on a forklift, skid steer, or a boom lift," said Simpson Associate Head Coach Wilson Kessel. "Whether digging holes for fencing, constructing the backstop, or leveling areas for the batting cages or bullpens, he was always a true servant leader."
In 2023, the Red Hawks played their first-ever home game on campus, a milestone that marked a new chapter for Simpson Baseball.
"I'm forever grateful for the opportunity Simpson University gave me," Tating said. "Not only by trusting me to be part of the program, but by believing in a vision that many thought was impossible. Without the leadership of President Norm Hall, the tireless work of Associate Head Coach Wilson Kessel and our coaching staff, the support of our alumni, and the belief and commitment of every player who wore a Simpson uniform, none of what we accomplished would have been possible."
Tating's leadership also extended beyond baseball. In 2020, he was asked to serve simultaneously as Simpson University's athletic director. During his tenure, the athletic department achieved its most successful fundraising year on record, more than doubling the previous high-water mark. He helped strengthen athletic operations, improve retention efforts, and create a more sustainable future for Red Hawk athletics.
His impact also played an important role during a critical period of institutional growth. Through consistent recruiting efforts, Tating grew the baseball program from approximately 15 athletes when he arrived to nearly 70 student-athletes. At times, the baseball program alone accounted for more than 10 percent of Simpson University's total student population.
Those student-athletes brought tuition revenue, campus engagement, and stability during years when every student mattered. While many factors contributed to the university's ability to navigate enrollment challenges, the growth of Simpson Baseball became an important piece of the institution's broader strategy for sustainability and growth.
Former players often describe Tating as demanding but deeply invested. He expected excellence, emphasized character, and believed that success in baseball should mirror success in the classroom, workplace, and community. His philosophy centered on relationships, accountability, and servant leadership, values that became synonymous with the culture of the program.
"Programs aren't measured by wins alone," Tating said. "They're measured by the people they shape. I'm proud of what we built on the field, and of the field we built, but I'm even more proud of the men who left this program prepared to lead in life."
As he departs, Tating leaves behind far more than wins and losses.
He leaves a conference championship banner, five postseason appearances in six seasons, dozens of all-conference players, and a program respected throughout the region. He leaves an on-campus baseball facility that has changed the future of the program. He leaves an athletic department strengthened by his leadership and generations of student-athletes impacted by his mentorship.
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