SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- Bryant baseball head coach Ryan Klosterman announced the addition of Franklin Jennings to the coaching staff for the upcoming 2026 season.

A native of Montgomery, N.Y., Jennings takes over for Will Kaufman who left the program to take an assistant coaching position at Charlotte. Jennings will work with the hitters and outfielders, while also being a key contributor to Bryant's recruiting efforts.

"Franklin is a tremendous person and leader," Klosterman said. "He's a proven winner whose joy for the game is infectious. I really admired coaching against him in the past and appreciate the passion and care he displays towards his players."

Jennings comes to Smithfield from George Washington but has a great familiarity with Bryant and the Northeast. A 2017 graduate of Central Connecticut, Jennings spent four years competing against the Bulldogs on the field before spending four seasons (2019-22) as an assistant coach with the Blue Devils. He then spent two seasons at Army before joining the Revolutionaries for the 2025 season.

"I've had the chance to watch Bryant Baseball from the outside looking in for the last 12 years. The growth and expectations set year in and year out are a standard I can't wait to meet," Jennings said. "I am absolutely ecstatic to join a winning culture that excellence continually flows through."

At George Washington

• Spent the 2025 season at GW, serving as the Offensive Coordinator/Director of Defense/Assistant Recruiting Coordinator.
• Jennings helped Charlie Walsh earn A-10 All-Rookie honors after hitting .256 with nine doubles, 25 RBI and 32 runs scored.
• GW hit .289 as a team, producing 106 doubles, a .396 team OBP and 68 stolen bases.

At Army

• Helped lead the Black Knights to back-to-back Patriot League titles and a pair of NCAA Regionals in 2023 and 2024.
• Jennings oversaw an Army defense that ranked second in the Patriot League in 2024.
• Army had four position players earn All-Patriot League honors under Jennings' watch in 2024.
• In addition, Derek Berg was selected in the 10th round (294th overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2024 MLB Draft.

At Central Connecticut

• Helped his alma mater win Northeast Conference Championships in 2019 and 2021, beating Bryant in both instances.
• The 2019 CCSU team went on to defeat No. 24 Cal in the NCAA Regionals, the program's first NCAA Tournament victory.
• CCSU won 28+ games in each of Jennings' three full seasons on staff.
• The Blue Devils led the league in defense in each of his three full seasons and ranked in the top two in batting average in two of the three years.

As a Student-Athlete

• Played four seasons (2014-17) at Central Connecticut, leading the Blue Devils to the 2017 NEC Championship as a senior.
• Jennings was a career .291 hitter, finishing with 187 hits in 187 career games. He posted a .342 career OBP and 37 stolen bases.
• Earned First Team All-NEC honors as a senior, hitting .327 with six doubles, five triples, 35 runs scored and a career-best .384 OBP.

What they're saying about Franklin Jennings
James Karinchak, Bryant 2015-17 and Currently in Atlanta Braves System
"Love the hire by Coach Klosterman going back to the honey hole, Walden, N.Y.! Franklin was an exceptional player, now a great example and leader for the next generation of DAWGS. The future looks BRIGHT in SMITHFIELD."

Pat Hall, Assistant Coach at Central Connecticut
"Great hire by Coach Klosterman. Franklin is a highly respected leader who brings energy, accountability, and a player-first approach to every program he serves. His ability to develop players on the field, build meaningful relationships, and establish a culture of discipline and trust sets him apart as a coach."

Mike Cole, Associate Head Coach at Army
"Franklin has quickly become one of the top young hitting coaches in our industry today. His passion and energy for the game and his players is unmatched. A proven winner that will help  carry on the winning tradition and culture that coach Klosterman has built at Bryant."