Wednesday, Sep. 09, 2009

Clemson losing pitching coach to Alabama

Clemson pitching coach Kyle Bunn is headed to Alabama as an assistant, a source with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday afternoon.

Bunn, a graduate of The Citadel and a Georgetown native, spent two seasons with the Tigers. His staff ranked fifth nationally in earned run average last season at 3.68.

The 32-year-old is set to become the pitching coach under new coach Mitch Gaspard, who was promoted a week ago when longtime coach Jim Wells retired.

The reasons behind Bunn’s departure remain unclear, although he is expected to receive a significant boost in salary.

Bunn was to make $70,573 last season, roughly $22,000 below that of Clemson’s other assistant, Tom Riginos.

Before going to Clemson, Bunn spent the previous six years as an assistant at one of Alabama’s divisional rivals, Mississippi.

Attempts to reach Bunn and Clemson coach Jack Leggett for comment were unsuccessful.

-- Paul Strelow

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