Bryant Baseball Welcomes New Coach Franklin Jennings
Bryant University’s baseball team is excited to announce the addition of Franklin Jennings to the coaching staff for the 2026 season. Hailing from Montgomery, New York, Jennings steps in for Will Kaufman, who is pursuing an assistant coaching role at Charlotte.
Jennings is eager to contribute to the team’s hitting and outfield strategies while actively recruiting new talent. He’s no stranger to the Northeast, having played and coached locally. A former athlete at Central Connecticut, he faced the Bulldogs multiple times, giving him a good grasp of the program’s culture.
Ryan Klosterman, head coach at Bryant, has high praise for Jennings. “He’s a tremendous person and leader,” Klosterman said. “His enthusiasm for the game is contagious. I’ve admired his coaching from afar and respect how much he cares for his players.”
Jennings’ Journey So Far
Before coming to Bryant, Jennings coached at George Washington. There, he helped improve team performance significantly during the 2025 season. Under his guidance, the team boasted a .289 batting average, with standout player Charlie Walsh earning A-10 All-Rookie honors. Jennings’ previous experience also includes two successful seasons at Army, where he contributed to back-to-back Patriot League titles. In 2024, his efforts led to several players receiving All-Patriot League recognition.
At Central Connecticut, Jennings was part of teams that won Northeast Conference Championships while consistently ranking high in defense and hitting.
What Others Say About Jennings
Former players and colleagues have shared their support for Jennings. James Karinchak, a former Bryant player currently in the Atlanta Braves system, said, “Franklin was an exceptional player, and now he’ll guide the next generation at Bryant.”
Pat Hall, an assistant coach at Central Connecticut, emphasized Jennings’ player-focused approach, making him a strong asset to any team. Mike Cole from Army highlighted Jennings as a rising star in coaching, known for his passion and energy.
The Bigger Picture
Bringing Jennings on board reflects Bryant’s commitment to building a winning culture. The team aims not just for success on the field, but also to nurture players off it. Recent studies have shown that leadership in sports, especially at the college level, can significantly impact team dynamics and player development. Coaches like Jennings, who invest in their players, foster a positive team environment that translates to better performance.
With Franklin Jennings joining the Bulldogs, fans and players alike are looking forward to an exciting season ahead.
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