Empowering Coaches and Pitchers to Unlock Potential

Wes Johnson has built a career on developing elite pitchers and finding better ways to train them. As key advisor for NewtForce, he has been a leader in implementing technology and biomechanics to improve pitcher performance. From ground force data to advanced analytics, he’s helped push player development forward at every level. After helping LSU win a national title in 2023, Johnson took over as head coach at Georgia, where he immediately led the Bulldogs to their best season in over 15 years, hosting an NCAA Super Regional. Before that, he made history as the first college pitching coach hired directly into Major League Baseball, working with the Minnesota Twins’ staff that won back-to-back division titles. Across his career at Georgia, LSU, Arkansas, Mississippi State, and Dallas Baptist, 38+ of his pitchers have been drafted. Johnson’s success comes from combining what works on the field with what we can measure. His ability to adapt, implement new tools, and get results has made him one of the most respected pitching coaches in baseball and a key partner in advancing NewtForce technology.

Matt Hobbs has been leading Arkansas' pitching staff since 2019, and his impact has been undeniable. Under his guidance, the Razorbacks' pitching staff has consistently ranked among the nation’s best, with his pitchers striking out hitters at a record-setting pace. Since his arrival, 19 of his pitchers have been drafted, including several top-10 round picks. The 2024 Arkansas pitching staff posted 706 strikeouts, leading the nation in strikeouts per nine innings (12.1) while ranking fifth nationally in ERA (3.87). His work has helped produce All-Americans, SEC standouts, and MLB-ready talent year after year. A leader in pitching analytics and player development, Hobbs has been a key part of Arkansas' success, ensuring the Razorbacks remain a dominant force on the mound. One the best in the country and using the insights and available information to communicate and get the most out of everyone he comes in contact with. We have the utmost respect for Hobbs and he has been a true partner every step of the way.

Randy Sullivan is a leader in modern pitcher development, having worked with hundreds of MLB, college, and high school pitchers at the Florida Baseball Armory. A pioneer in biomechanics and arm health, Sullivan has helped countless pitchers increase velocity, improve command, and stay healthy. Sullivan has recorded more pitchers on the NewtForce mound than any other coach, using ground force data to refine mechanics and enhance training efficiency. His ability to bridge technology and real-world application has made him one of the most trusted resources in pitching development. Through research, coaching, and hands-on development, Sullivan continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in pitcher training.

John has been instrumental in integrating advanced technology into Arizona's pitching program, notably introducing the NewtForce mound to enhance player development. After joining the Wildcats in August 2023 as Director of Player Development, he was promoted to Director of Pitching Performance and Strategy in July 2024, reflecting his significant impact on the team's success. In the 2024 season, under DeRouin's guidance, Arizona's pitching staff achieved remarkable improvements, including a substantial reduction in team ERA and leading national statistics in strikeout-to-walk ratio and walks per nine innings. His collaboration with assistant coach Kevin Vance resulted in multiple pitchers earning Pac-12 All-Conference honors and several being selected in the MLB Draft. Prior to his tenure at Arizona, DeRouin served as a rehab pitching coordinator for the Detroit Tigers and held coaching positions with Hop's Athletic Performance, North East Baseball, and the New England Scorpions. His expertise in utilizing cutting-edge tools like the NewtForce mound has been pivotal in transforming Arizona's pitching staff, as highlighted in a recent Q&A where he discussed the positive impact of these technologies on player performance. newtforce.com DeRouin's commitment to leveraging technology and data-driven strategies continues to elevate Arizona's pitching program, fostering both individual player growth and overall team success.

Scott Brown has been at the core of Vanderbilt's pitching success for over a decade. Now in his 13th season as pitching coach and 8th as associate head coach, Brown has developed 40+ MLB Draft picks, including 12 in the first three rounds. Under his leadership, Vanderbilt has won two national championships, reached four College World Series finals, and remained a powerhouse in college baseball. In addition to his role at Vanderbilt, Brown was the pitching coach for USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team in 2022, helping lead the team to a bronze medal. His ability to develop talent, integrate technology, and push pitchers to their potential has made him one of the most respected pitching coaches in the country. Brown continues to adapt and refine his approach, combining biomechanics, data analysis, and hands-on coaching to ensure Vanderbilt’s pitchers are always at the forefront of development.

Justin Parker has quickly made an impact at Mississippi State, transforming the Bulldogs’ pitching staff in his first season. Under his leadership, MSU’s team ERA dropped by nearly three runs, ranking 4th in the SEC and 13th nationally in 2024. The Bulldogs also set a program record with eight pitchers drafted, including the entire opening weekend rotation, all taken in the first three rounds. Before joining MSU, Parker served as the pitching coach at South Carolina, Indiana, UCF, and Wright State, consistently developing high-level MLB Draft picks. Fourteen of his pitchers have been selected in the first 10 rounds, with multiple earning All-America and All-Conference honors. His teams have posted some of the nation’s best strikeout-to-walk ratios while competing at the highest level. A former sixth-round draft pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Parker spent three years in professional baseball before transitioning to coaching. His ability to maximize pitcher performance and implement technology-driven development continues to make an impact at Mississippi State and beyond.

Bryant Gaines has been a key part of North Carolina baseball for over a decade, first as a player and now as the assistant head coach and pitching coach. Heading into his fifth season as assistant head coach and sixth overseeing the Tar Heel pitching staff, Gaines has helped drive UNC’s success, including seven NCAA Tournament appearances, an ACC title, and a trip to the 2024 College World Series. Gaines’ impact on UNC’s pitching staff is undeniable. In 2024, his pitchers posted the lowest ERA (4.30) in the ACC and ranked among the top 15 nationally. Matthew Matthijs led the ACC with 12 wins and earned All-America honors alongside Dalton Pence, while freshman Jason DeCaro was named a Freshman All-American. His ability to develop pitchers has led to eight UNC arms being selected in the MLB Draft since 2020, including players like Austin Love, who went from an unranked prospect to a third-round pick. Never one to settle, Gaines has also helped push UNC’s player development forward by bringing in the NewtForce Mound to give his pitchers an even greater edge. His focus on using technology the right way—blending it with the art of coaching—has helped UNC remain one of the top pitching programs in the country. Check out UNC’s Pitching Lab and see how they’re building the next wave of elite arms: UNC Baseball Pitching Lab Tour

Jason Howell plays a key role in UNC’s pitching development, leading efforts in performance analysis, technology integration, and player development. He has been instrumental in bringing NewtForce to the program and continues to push the Tar Heels’ pitching staff forward. His coaching career includes stints at Georgia Tech, UNC Wilmington, and the Chicago White Sox, where he worked as an Area Scouting Supervisor. Across his coaching career, Howell has developed numerous MLB Draft picks, guided top-ranked pitching staffs, and helped teams reach multiple College World Series and NCAA Regionals. His pitchers have earned All-America and All-Conference honors, with many excelling at the next level. A former professional pitcher in the Boston Red Sox organization, Howell brings both playing and coaching experience to UNC. His ability to blend technology, analytics, and on-field coaching has made him a respected figure in pitching development. Gaines’ impact on UNC’s pitching staff is undeniable. In 2024, his pitchers posted the lowest ERA (4.30) in the ACC and ranked among the top 15 nationally. Matthew Matthijs led the ACC with 12 wins and earned All-America honors alongside Dalton Pence, while freshman Jason DeCaro was named a Freshman All-American. His ability to develop pitchers has led to eight UNC arms being selected in the MLB Draft since 2020, including players like Austin Love, who went from an unranked prospect to a third-round pick. Never one to settle, Gaines has also helped push UNC’s player development forward by bringing in the NewtForce Mound to give his pitchers an even greater edge. His focus on using technology the right way—blending it with the art of coaching—has helped UNC remain one of the top pitching programs in the country. Check out UNC’s Pitching Lab and see how they’re building the next wave of elite arms: UNC Baseball Pitching Lab Tour

Jason Jackson has been a key figure in Alabama’s pitching success since joining the Crimson Tide staff in 2017. After stepping in as interim head coach in 2023, leading the team to an NCAA Super Regional appearance, he was named associate head coach later that year. Now in his eighth season, Jackson continues to lead one of the most consistent and competitive pitching staffs in the SEC. Under his guidance, Alabama pitchers have shattered records, ranking in the program’s top-10 for single-season strikeouts four times. In the last four MLB Drafts alone, Crimson Tide pitchers have signed for a combined $8.3 million, making Alabama one of only three SEC programs with a $1 million+ pitcher in every draft from 2021-24. His work developing first-round picks like Ben Hess (Yankees, 2024) and Connor Prielipp (Twins, 2022) has solidified Alabama as a premier destination for pitching development. Jackson blends technology and analytics with a deep understanding of player development, ensuring his pitchers get the most out of their ability. His ability to identify and develop talent has made Alabama’s pitching staff one of the best in the SEC, and he continues to push the program forward with a player-first approach.

Everett Teaford, a former MLB pitcher with the Royals and Rays, is now leading Auburn’s pitching staff with a modern, data-driven approach. Before joining Auburn, he worked as the minor league pitching coordinator for the Chicago White Sox, helping develop talent at all levels. In his first year at Auburn, Teaford introduced NewtForce technology to the program, ensuring his pitchers had access to the latest tools for mechanical analysis and performance optimization. His experience as both a player and coach gives him a unique perspective in helping pitchers maximize their potential. Teaford’s ability to blend experience, analytics, and cutting-edge development tools is helping shape the future of Auburn’s pitching staff.

Carl Lafferty is one of the best recruiters and coaches in the country, and we are extremely excited to have Carl and the entire Ole Miss Staff using our mound. With an impressive 17-year coaching career at Ole Miss, Carl has proven himself as a top pitching coach and recruiting coordinator—the longest-serving assistant coach in the Southeastern Conference. During his time at Ole Miss, Carl consistently recruited outstanding talent, with many of his classes ranking among the nation's best. His 2016 class even reached the No. 1 spot, a historic achievement for Ole Miss Athletics. His ability to bring in talented players and help them grow has earned him recognition in the coaching community. He has developed 41 pitchers who have gone on to the professional ranks, with several Rebel pitchers drafted in recent years, including Jack Dougherty, Derek Diamond, Dylan DeLucia, and more. He genuinely cares about his players' development. W

Nate Yeskie is regarded as one of the best pitching coaches in college baseball, with over 17 years of experience leading elite pitching staffs. He has helped teams reach five College World Series appearances and has guided multiple MLB Draft picks to the next level. Since joining LSU, Yeskie has worked to elevate the Tigers' pitching program, integrating advanced technology, analytics, and biomechanics to refine pitcher performance. A two-time National Pitching Coach of the Year, Yeskie is known for his ability to develop both dominant starters and high-leverage relievers. Yeskie was instrumental in bringing NewtForce technology to LSU, ensuring his pitchers have the best tools available to optimize their mechanics and performance.

Scott Foxhall brings nearly 30 years of coaching experience to Auburn, where he now serves as Director of Player Development. Foxhall played a major role in Mississippi State’s 2021 national championship, earning ABCA Assistant Coach of the Year honors. Throughout his career, 61 of his pitchers have been drafted, including 17 in the top 10 rounds—with 16 of those players going undrafted out of high school before developing under his guidance. His ability to identify and develop talent has set him apart. At Auburn, Foxhall is focused on advancing player development strategies, working closely with pitchers and staff to maximize performance and prepare players for the next level.

Laz Gutierrez brings a unique blend of pitching development and mental skills training to Miami Baseball. A key force in bringing the NewtForce mound to Miami, he continues to push innovation in player development. Before returning to his alma mater, Gutierrez served as head coach at Nova Southeastern, leading the program to national prominence with an NCAA Regional appearance in 2022. Prior to that, he spent 13 years with the Boston Red Sox, where he played a role in three World Series championships (2007, 2013, 2018) as the team’s mental skills coordinator. A Miami native and former Hurricanes pitcher, Gutierrez has coached at every level, from high school to the pros. His ability to blend technology, player development, and mental training makes him a valuable part of Miami’s coaching staff.

Rick Franzblau leads the strength and conditioning efforts for Clemson Baseball and oversees training for 14 Olympic sports at Clemson University. With a career dedicated to developing elite athletes, he has played a key role in preparing players for success at the collegiate and professional levels. Under his guidance, Clemson Baseball has seen notable player development, including ACC Pitcher of the Year winners and multiple MLB Draft picks. His experience extends beyond baseball, having worked with national champions, Olympians, and professional athletes in track and field, soccer, and golf. A Colgate University graduate, Franzblau transitioned from playing to coaching after injuries cut his football career short. He holds multiple certifications in strength and conditioning and continues to push the limits of athletic performance through advanced training methods. His expertise in integrating technology and biomechanics makes him a vital figure in Clemson’s athletic development.

Brandon Scott has helped elevate Kansas baseball since joining as pitching coach in 2022. In just two seasons, he has lowered the team ERA by over three runs per game, bringing the program back to Big 12 contention. Scott also led Kansas to its first-ever No. 1 JUCO recruiting class, bringing in top-tier arms to continue the program’s growth. His ability to develop talent and implement modern training methods has been a key part of Kansas’ success. By incorporating NewtForce and other advanced tools, Scott is making sure his pitchers have every competitive advantage available.

Cory Swope is the Coordinator of Baseball Developmental Technology for the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he plays a key role in implementing technology to improve player development. Since joining the organization in 2016, Cory has worked in multiple roles, moving from Minor League Video Assistant to his current position, where he focuses on data-driven solutions for pitching performance. In 2023, Cory took his expertise to the international stage, serving as Team Mexico’s Run Prevention Coordinator during the World Baseball Classic. His ability to blend technology and player development has made an impact at every level, helping pitchers maximize their potential through innovative training methods. We’ve had the privilege of working with Cory, and his attention to detail and willingness to push boundaries have made him a fantastic partner. His knowledge and passion for development continue to shape the way technology is used to train pitchers

Wes McGuire is a highly regarded pitching coach that continues to climb the pro ranks. He has previously served as the Director of Pitching Development at Randy Sullivan's Florida Baseball Ranch, where he specialized in movement interventions, technology integration, and pitch shaping. Wes is known for his passion for linking data analytics with skill acquisition science to optimize player development. With over four years of experience using the NewtForce Mound, Wes has been an instrumental part of the development process. He is dedicated to helping players maximize their potential through personalized coaching and data-driven insights. His expertise and commitment to excellence have made him a respected figure in the baseball community, and he continues to be a valuable asset. "NewtForce is an invaluable tool for pitching development, easy-to-interpret ground force data allows coaches to understand what’s really going on with a players lower body. High speed video synced in real time allows players to connect the feel and real, and make the most of the time they have to develop." McGuire is a true partner and and one of the best to fall down a rabbit hole with.

A former MLB pitcher with the Braves and Angels, Sean McLaughlin has built a reputation as one of the top pitching development minds in baseball. As founder of Maven Baseball Lab in Atlanta, he works with MLB All-Stars, college standouts, and rising talent, using cutting-edge technology and biomechanics to refine their skills. Sean was an early adopter of NewtForce and has been instrumental in implementing ground force data in pitcher development. His work has led to improvements in velocity, command, and overall efficiency, helping pitchers at every level reach their potential. With extensive MLB advisory experience, Sean continues to bridge the gap between data, feel, and real-world results, making him a trusted resource for pitchers looking to take their game to the next level.