Wells, 54, is the Crimson Tide's winningest baseball coach after going 625-322 and winning two Southeastern Conference championships and six SEC tournament titles over the past 15 seasons. He led Alabama to 12 NCAA regional appearances and three trips to the College World Series.
Gaspard has spent nine years on the Tide's staff, including the past two as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. He returned after spending six years as head coach at Northwestern State in Louisiana, winning 62 percent of his games and two Southland Conference championships.
Gaspard has agreed to a three-year contract, subject to approval by the Board of Trustees' compensation committee.
``We are confident that our program with its tremendous heritage and tradition will continue to be competitive at the highest level,'' athletic director Mal Moore said. ``Mitch is uniquely qualified to take over our program at this time. We're very fortunate to have a coach and recruiter of Mitch's quality already on the staff. I am confident and excited about the direction of our baseball program.''
Gaspard called Wells ``one of the best baseball coaches I've ever been around."
Wells retired two years ago but changed his mind and returned six days later.
``Today is really about the hiring of Mitch Gaspard to lead the Alabama baseball program and not about me retiring as the head coach,'' Wells said. ``I have no doubt that Mitch and his staff will continue to elevate the team to a championship level. He is an outstanding coach and an even better person, and I couldn't be happier for him or the Crimson Tide baseball team.
``One goal I wanted to attain before I left my position was making sure the program was back on solid ground, and I leave the university feeling confident that it is.''
Mitch Gaspard
Jim Wells
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/9/222897