JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University head baseball coach Chris Hayes has announced the hiring of Mike Bello as an assistant coach for the 2027 season. A former Troy team captain who played in the College World Series at Auburn, Bello comes to the Dolphins from the Winthrop coaching staff.

"We're excited to welcome Mike to Jacksonville Baseball," said Hayes. "His enthusiasm and passion for the game will be a great addition to our program. He had a terrific career as a collegiate player, and we're looking forward to having him share that experience with our team and help our players continue to grow."

Bello joined Winthrop in 2025 as director of player development. He coached the Eagles' outfielders, worked with their hitters and served as first base coach. He also helped prepare scouting reports. Winthrop earned the No. 2 seed in the Big South Tournament in his first season, and head coach Mike McGuire promoted him to full-time assistant coach in August 2026.

"I'd like to thank Coach Hayes and Jacksonville University for this opportunity," said Bello. "JU has a rich baseball history, and I look forward to getting to work and continuing that tradition."

A native of Oak Ridge, New Jersey, Bello began his college career at Auburn in 2022. As a freshman, he earned a spot on the Auburn Regional All-Tournament Team as the Tigers swept their home regional. Auburn went on to win the Corvallis Super Regional at Oregon State to punch its ticket to Omaha.

After two seasons at Auburn, Bello transferred to Troy, where he played two seasons in the outfield and served as a team captain. He started 26 games as a senior in 2025, hitting .260 and driving in 16 runs. On March 7, he put Troy ahead for good with a ninth-inning home run at USC Upstate.

Bello fills the opening left by Turner Brown, who joined the coaching staff at UNCW after two seasons with the Dolphins.