Derek Francis enters his second season at WKU after joining the staff as the Director of Operations prior to the 2024 season. Along with overseeing team operations, Francis also serves as the Offensive Development Coordinator for the Hilltoppers.
Francis comes to The Hill by way of Eastern Illinois. He was hired as the hitting/infield coach in July of 2021 beginning his second stint with the Panthers. Francis helped coach EIU to their third NCAA Tournament appearance in Division I program history in 2023 (Vanderbilt Regional). The team set the school record for wins (38) and won the OVC Tournament Championship.
The 2023 offense was one of the best in school history ranking in the top 10 in multiple EIU team categories: runs (418 - 4th), hits (592 - 3rd), doubles (109 - 7th), RBI (366 - 4th), walks drawn (286 - 1st), stolen bases (97 - 1st) and posted two of the top three fielding percentages in school history (2022, 2023) during his time.
Francis worked with multiple MLB draft picks while at EIU including New York Yankees 1st Round Pick, Trey Sweeney (20th overall). Sweeney made his MLB debut in August 2024.
In 2020, he worked as a volunteer assistant coach, helping EIU post an 8-6 record and reach an RPI of 60, the highest in the OVC, during the shortened season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2021, Francis was hired as an assistant coach at Pittsburg State serving as the hitters and infield coach. During his time there, he coached four All-MIAA selections including NCAA Division II All-American Dawson Pomeroy and future MLB Draft pick, Garrett McGowan.
In 2017, Francis began his coaching career at Emporia State working with the hitters and outfielders. The team finished the season 42-13 winning the conference championship and hosting the NCAA Central Regional.
Francis graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Emporia State in 2016 and earned all-MIAA honors during his senior season after playing two seasons at Iowa Western Community College under head coach Marc Rardin. Francis was a member of the 2014 NJCAA World Series Champion Team.
Francis is a native of Manhattan, Kansas.
