HATTIESBURG — Scott Berry’s retirement was short-lived.

The longtime Southern Miss baseball coach has rejoined the university’s athletics department as Assistant Athletic Director for Community Relations, the school announced.

A news release announcing Berry’s new position did not specify what Berry’s duties will entail. The Hattiesburg American reported that Berry said it will be a part-time role. The 61-year-old retired at the end of the 2023 season but has continued to be involved with the baseball program in an unofficial advisory role.

“We are excited to have Scott Berry continue to be involved with our athletics department as an Assistant AD,” said Southern Miss Director of Athletics Jeremy McClain. “No one exemplifies what it means to be a Golden Eagle more than Scott, and his presence will continue to have a positive impact on our programs.”

Berry spent the last 23 seasons with the Golden Eagles baseball program before retiring at the conclusion of last season. He led Southern Miss to a 46-20 record and second straight NCAA Super Regional appearance in his final season.

Berry served as head coach and collected a school-record 528 victories from 2010-23. He the team to nine NCAA Tournaments, two Super Regionals, five conference regular season championships and five league tournament titles.

Before becoming Southern Miss’ head coach he was an assistant for 10 seasons.

Berry’s successor is his longtime pitching coach Christian Ostrander. Ostrander will make his debut as head coach when Southern Miss opens the 2024 season Friday against Marist, at 4 p.m. at Pete Taylor Park in Hattiesburg.