Bryant coach Steve Owens departs for Rutgers

After nine seasons and 327 victories, Bryant head coach Steve Owens is departing for Rutgers. (Cynthia Ramirez Herrick)

Bryant University — a prime Division 1 destination for many of New England’s top players — is beginning a national search for a new baseball leader after head coach Steve Owens was named head coach at Rutgers University.

Owens — whom New England Baseball Journal named one of the Most Influential People in New England Baseball last fall — departs after nine seasons and a record of 327-184-2 — the most victories by any program in the Northeast over that span.

"We are so grateful for the outstanding leadership Coach Owens has provided for our baseball program," Bryant director of athletics Bill Smith said in a statement. "Over the last nine years, Steve has built this program into one of the best in the Northeast and a program that is respected throughout the country.

“A national search will begin immediately to find our next head coach that will build upon the strong foundation that Steve and our student-athletes have formed. The future of Bryant Baseball has never been brighter. We wish Steve all the best in his new position at Rutgers."