A native of Lincoln, Illinois, and a seasoned college baseball coach with two decades of experience, Dedman has been named the sixth head baseball coach in Bradley University history. Known for his leadership, player development, and competitive success at multiple levels of collegiate baseball, Dedman brings a proven record of winning and mentoring to Peoria.
"This is home. Central Illinois is where my passion for baseball began," said Dedman. "Bradley University is ready to accelerate on the national baseball scene. This program has a rich tradition, tremendous upside, and a desire to be great. We are ready to build an environment that is intensely competitive and joyful, a holistic development destination for future pros and champions."
Dedman arrives at Bradley from Loyola Marymount University, where he served as recruiting coordinator during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Prior to LMU, he was Director of Player Development at the University of Missouri, contributing to historic offensive numbers and a 30-win season in the SEC, including a sweep of College World Series participant Tennessee.
Over the course of his coaching career, Dedman has coached and mentored 34 MLB Draft picks, including first-rounder Sam Bachman (9th overall, 2021) and catcher Hayden Senger (New York Mets), and helped produce 10 All-Americans as well as 9 players currently in AA or AAA.
He brings a career coaching record of 575-326 (.638). His work as a hitting coach and recruiting coordinator at Miami (OH) and Lee University consistently elevated program performance and national competitiveness. Dedman helped take Miami (OH) from a 22-34 record the year before he arrived to 35-20 and 37-19 records in 2018 and 2019. At Lee, he was part of five World Series teams, helping recruit and develop 18 MLB Draft picks and five top 10 rounders.
"We are excited to welcome Justin Dedman to Bradley University," said Dr. Chris Reynolds, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. "He brings a terrific range of experience, a great understanding of player development, and a strong commitment to mentoring student-athletes that aligns well with our institutional values. We are incredibly confident Justin will make a positive impact on the field and in our community."
Throughout his 20-year coaching career, Dedman has built a reputation as an outstanding hitting coach and relentless recruiter who has experiences in developing professional baseball players and championship athletes. An approach that combines freedom, individualization and development systems, "JD" has a passion for each player becoming the best version of themselves.
At Loyola Marymount, Dedman helped spearhead an offense that led the West Coast Conference in 8 offensive categories. Beau Ankeney set the single season HR record at LMU while Nate Savoie led all NCAA freshmen in HR with 20. The Lions hit 82 HR and stole 124 bases.
Coaches and players know him as a thoughtful communicator, respected teacher of the game, and mentor who emphasizes both athletic and personal development. His coaching path has included stops as both head coach and assistant coach at Denison University (his alma mater) as well as Missouri, Ole Miss, Miami (OH), Austin Peay, Loyola Marymount and Lee University.
Dedman and his wife, Brittany, have two children, Norah and Maddux. The family is excited to join Bradley University and Peoria communities.
(Donegal Fergus, Loyola Marymount Head Baseball Coach)
"Justin is one of the finest people in our game and nobody deserves this opportunity more. I have long admired his intellect and passion for the game, and I am lucky enough to call him a friend. I was so fortunate to get to work with him for the last two years. Bradley is getting a tremendous coach, but an even better man, father and husband."
(Steve Bieser, Jacksonville St. University, Head Baseball Coach/former University of Missouri Head Coach)
"Justin is a fantastic leader of men. He is extremely dedicated to developing young men on and off the field. He is a forward thinker and has a real passion for the game. The future is bright for Bradley baseball."
(Patrick Murphy, University of Alabama, Head Softball Coach)
"Justin will be a person first, athlete second type coach. He's a great fit for Bradley, the area and the league. I'm certain he will build a great culture for Bradley baseball."
(Tim Corbin, Vanderbilt University, Head Baseball Coach)
"I am very happy for Justin, Brittany, their family and Bradley University. Justin is a great match for that baseball program. I have known Justin for a long time and first and foremost, he is a wonderful human being. Secondly, he is a teacher and educator of the game of baseball. His impact will far exceed the ball, glove and bat."
