RENO, Nev. - Nevada Baseball head coach Jordan Getzelman announced Thursday evening the addition of Matthew Kinney as the Wolf Pack's new pitching coach.

Kinney, SEMO's pitching coach and recruiting coordinator, spent eight seasons (2017, 2019-21, 2023-26) with the Redhawks including seven (2019-21, 2023-26) overseeing the pitching staff. He also spent the 2022 campaign as pitching coach at Army West Point.

During his time in Cape Girardieu, Kinney helped guide the Redhawks to two NCAA Regionals (2021, 2024), one Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) regular season title in 2021 and two OVC Tournament titles (2021, 2024).

"I am very excited to welcome Matthew Kinney, his wife Allyson, and their sons Davis and Jace to Nevada. Matthew is a relentless worker, a highly respected developer of pitchers, and a fierce competitor. His staffs are known for being tough, prepared, and attack-minded on the mound. He has a proven track record of identifying talent, developing players, and building winning pitching staffs," Getzelman said. "Matthew will recruit student-athletes who fit our culture and thrive at Nevada. His values, work ethic, and pitching philosophy align perfectly with our vision for the program. We believe he is an outstanding fit for Nevada Baseball and are excited for the impact he will have on our players and our pursuit of championships."

In 2026, the Redhawks went 39-18 overall and tied for second in OVC play with an 18-9 mark. Kinney's staff led the OVC in fewest walks issued (170), strikeouts-per-nine-innings (8.2) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.63), with the latter figure also ranking 19th in the country. Nathan Mertens paced SEMO in these categories, leading the country in strikeout-to-walk ratio (18.33) and walks allowed per nine innings (0.44). The staff's 170 walks and 3.11 walks-per-nine-innings each ranked fifth in the country and the Redhawks also ranked second in the OVC in both ERA and WHIP.

A season prior, Kinney's staff recorded a historic season on the mound and were among the nation's best in many statistical categories. The Redhawks finished fourth in the nation in walks-per-nine-innings (3.09), 13th in strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.79), 27th in WHIP (1.34), 41st in ERA (4.67), and third in overall strike percentage (65.2%). Each of those rankings marked a program record in their respective categories in the program's Division I era. 

Three Redhawk pitchers landed on the 2025 All-OVC Team including two first-teamers and a second-team selection. Mertens and Jackson Kranawetter were each named to the First Team, and Haden Dow landed on the Second Team. 

Mertens finished the 2025 campaign ranked first in the nation in walks-allowed-per-nine-innings (0.91) and third in the country in strikeout-to-walk ratio (8.38). He also ranked 18th nationally in WHIP (1.00).

"My family and I are grateful for the opportunity that Coach Getzelman has given us. I could not be more excited to be part of the University of Nevada Baseball program and this coaching staff," said Kinney.

In his one season at Army West Point, Kinney's pitching staff led the Patriot League in ERA, WHIP, shutouts, strikeout-to-walk ratio, fewest hits allowed per nine innings, and batting average against and featured three All-Patriot League team members, including Patriot League Pitcher of the Year Connelly Early who is currently in his second season with the Boston Red Sox. The Black Knights swept the Patriot League regular-season and tournament titles and earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Over his two stints at SEMO, Kinney's pitchers earned six selections to the All-OVC First Team, four to the Second Team, and eight to the All-Freshman Team. Dylan Dodd was named OVC Pitcher of the Year in 2021, leading the conference in innings pitched, strikeouts, wins and games started while coming in second in ERA. Dodd earned second-team All-America honors and went on to be the highest draft pick in program history when he was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft.

Kinney first joined the SEMO coaching staff as Volunteer Assistant and Director of Operations. Prior to joining Andy Sawyers' staff at Southeast Missouri in 2017, Kinney worked as the pitching coach for the Cape Cod League's Cotuit Kettleers. Kinney served on Mike Robert's staff after playing for Cotuit in 2015. 

Before getting his start in coaching, Kinney enjoyed a successful baseball career as a player. At Belmont, he helped the Bruins to the 2012 Atlantic Sun Conference regular season and tournament championships, as well as a trip to the Baton Rouge Regional. He split time as a pitcher and outfielder before pitching full-time in 2015, when he posted a 1.80 ERA, struck out 62 in 35 relief appearances, and notched two saves against eventual College World Series runner-up Vanderbilt. 

After earning a bachelor's degree in finance from Belmont in 2015, Kinney utilized a graduate transfer to national powerhouse Florida State. As a Seminole, he went 3-0 with a 2.49 ERA and helped the team reach an NCAA Super Regional in 2016. Additionally, he was named to the Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year List and earned a master's degree in sport management.