University of Rhode Island

Coaching Experience
Assistant Coach, Rhode Island (2015-present)
Assistant Coach, Brewster Whitecaps/CCBL (2011-14)
Assistant Coach, Endicott (2013-14)
Assistant Coach (Varsity)/Head Coach (JV), Franklin Pierce (2011-12)
Volunteer Assistant Coach, UMass Lowell (2009-10)

Sean O'Brien completed his ninth season at Rhode Island in 2022-23, most recently taking on the role of associate head coach. He joined head coach Raphael Cerrato's staff after spending the previous two years at Endicott College (Division III).

Since coming to Kingston, O'Brien has been a part of a program that has earned 20 Atlantic 10 All-Conference selections, a pair of regular season championships (2016, 2021) and one Atlantic 10 Tournament title (2016). In addition to five of O'Brien's players having their names called in the MLB Draft and one sign as a free agent, eight of the program's 16 total All-Americans have achieved said feat under his watch. 

In his time with the Gulls, O'Brien's defensive responsibilities included working with the team's catchers, outfielders and corner infielders. Offensively, he was in charge of hitting, bunting and base running while also assisting with scouting and recruiting. 

In his two years at Endicott, he helped lead the team to back-to-back Commonwealth Coast Conference regular season and tournament titles as well as an appearance in the 2013 NCAA Northeast Regionals. That year Endicott received the program's first-ever national ranking, checking in at No. 19 in the D3Baseball.com Poll.

The following season, the Gulls led the CCC in a number of offensive categories including batting average, runs, home runs, slugging percentage and stolen bases. Endicott also boasted the 2014 D3Baseball.com National Player of the year in All-American outfielder Tad Gold - who was later taken in the MLB Draft - as well as two-time ABCA Gold Glove winner, first baseman Brett Holmgren.

Prior to his stint with the Gulls, O'Brien spent two years as an assistant at his alma matter Franklin Pierce. There, he was responsible for working with the varsity catchers and hitters, while also serving as head coach of the JV squad. 

With O'Brien on the Ravens' staff, the team appeared in back-to-back NCAA tournaments. O'Brien also mentored All-American/Gold Glove catcher Mike Dowd, who was selected by Seattle in the 12th round of the 2011 MLB Draft.

Before his return to Franklin Pierce, O'Brien served as a volunteer assistant at UMass Lowell).

From 2011-14, he spent his summers in the Cape Cod League, working as an assistant on the Brewster Whitecaps' staff. 

As a collegiate player, O'Brien spent four years behind the plate for Franklin Pierce, helping lead the Ravens to a pair of NCAA Northeast Regional titles. His freshman and senior seasons, the team finished in the semifinals of the Division II College World Series. His 2003 team was inducted into the Franklin Pierce Athletics Hall of Fame.

O'Brien graduated from Franklin Pierce in 2006, with a degree in Sports & Recreation Management. He also obtained an MBA in Sports Management from Franklin Pierce in 2012.

updated: 6/12/23