San Diego State Aztecs extend Coaches Tony Gwynn and Mark Martinez

San Diego, CA- Earlier this week the San Diego State Athletic Director Jim Sterk announced a one-year contract extension head baseball coach Tony Gwynn and a three year extension for associate head coach Mark Martinez. The San Diego State Aztecs also promoted Mark Martinez to executive head coach. Martinez has been the acting head coach for the San Diego State Aztecs since March, when Tony Gwynn had to take a leave of absence due to health issues.

Tony Gwynn has been the San Diego State Aztecs head coach since returning to his alma mater in 2001 to take over for retiring head coach Jim Dietz. Jim Dietz is the winningest baseball coach in San Diego State Aztecs history. Dietz lead the San Diego State Aztecs for 31 seasons and is the 23rd winningest coach in college baseball history. Under Dietz the San Diego State Aztecs had 24 winning seasons, eight NCAA Regional appearances, achieved their highest ranking in the top 25 as they were number one in the nation in (1983 and 1984).

Under Gwynn the San Diego State Aztecs have won three Mountain West championships (2004, 2013, 2014), achieved their first trip to the NCAA Regionals since 1991, three NCAA Regional berths in the past six season, and their first consecutive NCAA appearances (2013-2014) since 1990 and 1991. Overall the Aztecs are .500 at 363-363 under Tony Gywnn.Gwynn’s contract was set to expire on July 1st and his extension will allow him to return as head coach when his ongoing health issues are resolved.

The promotion of Mark Martinez from associate head coach to executive head coach allows Martinez to take the leadership of the baseball program and allows Tony Gwynn to take his time to recover, knowing that the program is good hands under Mark Martinez. Martinez’s extension allows the Aztecs to have someone ready incase Tony Gwynn is unable to return next season.

Martinez has been the Aztecs acting head coach in Gwynn’s absence the past few seasons and this season lead the Aztecs to a 42-21 record. Under Martinez the Aztecs won nine of their final 11 games to earn a berth to the NCAA tournament. Martinez has been an assistant coach for the Aztecs under Tony Gwynn since 2005.