In 20 seasons as an NCAA Div. I head coach at the University of Alabama and Northwestern State University in Louisiana, Jim Wells combined for a record of 817- 411 (.665).
A member of the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Wells led the Alabama baseball program for 15 seasons before retiring in 2009. The winningest coach in program history, Wells posted a 625-322 (.656) mark while at the helm of the Crimson Tide program.
A two-time Southeastern Conference (SEC) Coach of the Year (1996 and 2002), Wells guided the Crimson Tide to their first of two SEC regular season championships in 1996. It was the program’s first regular season conference title since 1968. Alabama continued to find success with Wells at the helm, as they collected six SEC Tournament titles throughout his time in Tuscaloosa.
The Tide made 12 NCAA Regional appearances during his tenure, advancing to the College World Series in 1996, 1997 and 1999.
Following one of the best seasons in school history, Wells was tabbed Baseball America’s National Coach of the Year in 1997 after leading the Crimson Tide to a school-record 56 wins and advancing to the national championship game at the College World Series.
Prior to taking over at Alabama, Wells was the head baseball coach at Northwestern State University from 1990-94. Over five seasons, he led his alma mater to a 192-89 (.683) record, including three Southland Conference championships. Wells guided the Demons to their first-ever NCAA Regional appearance in 1991 and followed that up by advancing to the NCAA Tournament again in 1994, his final season with the program.
A three-time Southland Conference Coach of the Year, Wells received the Louisiana Sportswriters Association’s Coach of the Year Award following the 1994 season.
Following the retiring of his No. 17 jersey in 2003, Wells was inducted into the Northwestern State University Athletic Hall of Fame during the 2004-05 school year.
Prior to his days at Northwestern State, Wells spent five seasons as the head coach at Loyola Prep High School (1982-86) before landing his first collegiate job as a graduate assistant coach for Skip Bertman at LSU.
During his three seasons on the coaching staff in Baton Rouge (1987-89), the Tigers posted a 143-57 (.715) record and captured two NCAA Regional titles (1987 and 1989). Wells worked with the outfielders and hitters on LSU teams that ranked fourth nationally and participated in the College World Series. Among the notables at LSU during Wells’ three-year stay were 1989 first-overall draft pick Ben McDonald and MLB All-Star Albert Belle.
