Jace LaViolette reveals how he nudged Aggies AD Trev Alberts toward Michael Earley for HC job

Texas A&M star Jace LaViolette didn't shy away from revealing his hand in the Aggies choosing Michael Earley as the 21st head coach of the program. Following a stellar season, the Aggies faced a difficult decision after Jim Schlossnagle chose to join their bitter rivals, the Texas Longhorns.

Soon after Schlossnagle's departure, LaViolette and other top stars entered the transfer portal. However, the decision to appoint Earley changed some of their minds, with LaViolette, Gavin Grahovac and Kaeden Kent exiting the portal yesterday and committing his future to the Aggies.

LaViolette appeared on the TexAgs podcast, where he admitted he made phone calls to new athletic director Trev Alberts.

"I called Trev one last time," LaViolette said. "I went to fish down in Louisiana with my family, called him one last time before that. I said, ‘Hey, like, I’m sorry I’ve been bugging you so much. I don’t want to do this. I know you are probably one of the most busy men on the planet right now. I know you’re trying to find the best coach who’s fit for this job.’

But I said, ‘Mike Earley is the best coach in the nation. I promise you, you get this guy, you get every single person you want back here.’ And I think all the dominoes are starting to fall into place as to what I said. But, I wholeheartedly believe that Mike Earley is and will be the best coach in college baseball for a long time coming."

Jace LaViolette admits he never wanted to leave Texas A&M

While praising Earley, LaViolette showed maturity in understanding the business aspects of hiring a new coach. While talking about the repercussions of not making a good hire, he also received praise from Alberts for his honesty before committing to the Aggies for life.

"There’s repercussions that come from if you don’t make the right hire," LaViolette said. "And I told him that, he was like, ‘I appreciate that. I appreciate you being honest.’ And I was like, ‘Dude, that’s all I can give man.’

"I want to stay here, this is my home. I want to be an Aggie for life, I don’t want to leave this place, I never did. I hope people know that."

LaViolette was one of the Aggies' star hitters on their journey to the College World Series finals this season. He recorded 29 home runs and 78 RBI with an average of .305. He also stole seven bases and was walked 64 times, highlighting his threat on the plate.

Aggies fans will hope Earley can bring more success to the program going forward, and with stars like LaViolette committing their future to College Station, the pieces are in place for them to do so.