Southern Miss nabs former Louisiana pitching coach to replace Bradford

The newest member of Christian Ostrander’s staff comes with an impressive pedigree. 

After former Golden Eagle and two-year pitching coach Keller Bradford was hired away by Liberty last month, Ostrander was tasked with finding a replacement.  

Former Louisiana All-American Gunner Leger will step into Bradford’s shoes with plenty of relevant – and recent – experience. Leger served as the Cajuns pitching coach from 2023-2024, helping lead UL to a conference title in 2024. 

Two years ago, in his first season with the Cajuns, Leger led the No. 1 pitching staff in the Sun Belt. The group finished with a 4.48 team ERA and a.232 opponent batting average. 

Leger managed a stellar staff that was spearheaded by a trio of strong weekend starters – Andrew Hermann, Chase Morgan, and Carson Fluno – who combined for an ERA of 3.30.

In his playing days, the Lake Charles native was as good as it gets. Leger, a two-time All-American, ranks among Louisiana’s career leaders in starts (53), total innings pitched (328.2), wins (24), and strikeouts (288). He was also a 2017 Golden Spikes Award finalist.

Now, the pitching coach position at Southern Miss is a little different than it might be elsewhere with Christian Ostrander holding the reins, but it’s not any less important. Leger will likely be responsible for what Bradford was in the analytics, development, and recruiting departments.

Leger’s experience both pitching and coaching should bode well for continuing momentum on the mound after Bradford’s exit.