After seven seasons at the helm of the Auburn softball program, head softball coach Mickey Dean will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2024 season, Auburn announced in a press release Tuesday evening.

“I came to Athletic Director John Cohen this week after several previous conversations with him and made the difficult decision to step down as the head coach of the Auburn softball program at the conclusion of this season,” Dean said in the release.

Twenty-five games into their 2024 campaign, the Tigers currently sit with a 15-9-1 record and are just 2-7 in conference play.

Auburn’s turbulent start to the year comes after a 2023 season that saw the Tigers finish 43-19, which was good enough for a top-20 finish nationally.

“This was my decision and while it was a difficult one, it is what I felt was best for me and the program moving forward to allow me to focus time on personal matters,” Dean said.

Hired in 2017, Dean arrived at Auburn following a four-year stint as the head coach at James Madison University, where he compiled a 237-56 record.

In his first six years at Auburn, Dean has logged a 206-109 record, including five NCAA regional appearances and three seasons of 40-plus wins. Also on his Auburn resume are seven players who have earned NFCA All-Region selections, eight All-SEC selections, one NFCA All-American honor and an SEC Freshman of the Year.

Dean also coached Auburn’s first-ever SEC Pitcher of the Year in Maddie Penta, who is currently in her final season on The Plains.

“I am not from Auburn, but I consider myself an Auburn man as this institution and community has a special place in my heart,” Dean said. “My goal has always been to do what is best for the program and get the program to a point where it can sustain success in an environment that prioritizes the growth of our student-athletes. Words do not properly express my appreciation for Auburn and the Auburn family, and I look forward to continuing to serve Auburn.”

According to the release, after Dean has stepped down from his post as the university’s head softball coach, he will continue to serve as a special assistant to the athletic director.

“I am grateful to Mickey for his service to Auburn and the care he has for this program and his student athletes,” Auburn athletic director John Cohen said in a release. “Throughout our many conversations during my time at Auburn, it has been evident how much he values being a part of the Auburn family and appreciates his opportunity to lead this storied program. I know this was a decision that he did not take lightly but was one which he felt was ultimately best for Mickey, his family and the continued growth and success of Auburn Softball.”