Oakland University Athletics

Dan Rutan joined the Oakland University baseball program coaching staff in June 2021 after a four year playing career. As the director of pitching development, Rutan's main responsibilities include assisting with implementation of daily throwing programs, overseeing data collection and managing the bullpen on game days. He also assists in other operations within the program such as recruiting, travel coordination, fundraising, alumni engagement and camp organization.

During the 2022 season, Rutan served as the volunteer assistant coach. His main responsibilities included coaching outfielders, first base on game days and assisting with the offense. Rutan’s work with the outfielders oversaw outfielder Brenton Phillips earning All-Horizon League Second Team honors. Rutan helped lead Oakland to its most successful season in program history, finishing with 31 wins and placing second in the Horizon League Championship.

Rutan served as the pitching coach for the Westfield Starfires of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL) in the summer of 2022. Rutan coached the team to their first ever postseason appearance while also helping 3 pitchers, Justin Sinibaldi, Kevin Zarnoch Jr. and Zach Nichols earn FCBL All-Star recognition.

Prior to coaching at Oakland, Rutan served as the head baseball coach for the Total Baseball Rutan travel baseball team from 2018-2021. His responsibilities included scheduling, budgeting, recruiting, coaching third base and implementing the team’s offense, defense and pitch calling systems. Rutan helped place multiple players to the collegiate level during his tenure.

Rutan also served as a scout for Prep Baseball Report (PBR) Michigan from 2018-2021. His duties included data and statistical collection, social media engagement and creating player evaluations. He also assisted with coaching multiple PBR Michigan teams at the PBR Future and Junior Future Games.

A native of Grove City, Ohio, Rutan played baseball at Oakland University from 2018-2021 as a left-handed pitcher. He was named captain for the 2020-2021 season and was a four-year Horizon League Honor Roll selection. He also served as the baseball representative on the Oakland University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Gold Program.

Rutan earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing degree with a minor in Business Analytics from Oakland University in May 2021. He is currently pursuing his Master’s in Business Administration and is expected to graduate in May 2023.