Tony Jandron was announced as an Illinois State assistant coach on July 21, 2023 is entering his first season as a Redbird in the 2023-24 academic year.

Jandron, a native of Negaunee, Mich., spent the previous five seasons as an assistant at Central Michigan and amassed a 177-80 (.689) record as a Chippewa. 

In Jandron’s time at Central Michigan, the Chippewas earned their first NCAA berth since 1995, tied the program record for victories in a season (47), and broke the programs stolen base record in a season (133). The 2019, 2021, 2022 teams won 132 games, marking the winningest three-year stretch in program history.

Central Michigan was in the NCAA Tournament three straight times (2019, 2021, 2022) during Jandron's time in Mount Pleasant. The dramatic 6-5 victory over Miami (Fla.) in an NCAA Regional game in Starkville, Miss. was CMU's first NCAA Tournament victory since 1988.

Prior to CMU, Jandron coached three seasons (2016, 2017, 2018) at Division II Northwood in Michigan. The Timberwolves won their first GLIAC title in their programs history and had a combined two-year total of 84 victories (2017, 2018) was the fifth-highest total in Division II. Both squads were ranked in the top 20 nationally and appeared in the NCAA Regionals.

Jandron began his coaching career at College of DuPage, a junior college in Glen Ellyn, Ill. At DuPage, Jandron helped lead a 16-win improvement as the Chaparrals finished 39-20 in 2015, their first winning season in five years.

The former All-American at St. Norbert College (De Pere, Wis.) led the NCAA in batting average .511 his senior campaign and is the programs all-time wins leader on the mound. Jandron played every position but catcher for the Green Knights. 

The versatile Jandron has contributed all over the diamond and in his three stops prior to coming to ISU, coaching 11 players that went on to play in MLB organizations.

QUOTES UPON HIRING:

TONY JANDRON

"I'm thankful for all of the support through this journey and I'm excited for the opportunity to be a Redbird. There is a clear vision for the future of this program and the staff are knowledgeable, personable, and hard-working. I'm anxious to get to work to create a dynamic and exciting product on the field. Most importantly, I'm looking forward to building relationships with the players and the ISU community."

HEAD COACH STEVE HOLM

"I couldn't be happier to add Tony Jandron to our program! Central Michigan has been a powerhouse in the Midwest the last few years and Tony was an integral part to their success. Here at Illinois State, he will coach third base and be in charge of the running game, which was one of CMU's biggest strengths. He will be in charge of the short game and assist with infielders, as well. Tony's rapport with his players is second to none and I can't wait to see his impact on our guys!"