Staff Directory

Miguel Rivera

Title:
Assistant Coach/Director of Baseball Operations
Email:
Phone:
513-529-6631

Miguel Rivera enters his third season with the RedHawks after joining Brian Smiley's Miami staff as an assistant coach in June 2024.

In his second season, the Red and White claimed the program's single-season record of 23 conference wins that was set in 2025, as the RedHawks finished the regular season with a 38-15 overall record and a 25-8 mark in MAC play. The team also captured its second consecutive MAC regular-season championship, marking Miami Baseball's first back-to-back conference titles since 1973-74. The RedHawks had seven players earn All-MAC honors, highlighted by Tommy Harrison being named MAC Player of the Year and Diego Cruz earning MAC Freshman of the Year honors. Cruz and Dierks were also recognized on the All-MAC Defensive Team.

The RedHawks brought home a regular-season and MAC Tournament Championship in Rivera's first season with the team. Miami had seven players recognized as All-MAC, one player as an All-American and one player as an Academic All-American. Miami pitcher Hayden Cuthbertson was selected in the 18th round of the 2025 MLB Draft by the Miami Marlins. The Red and White finished the 2025 season nationally ranked 12th in base on balls (346), 15th in on-base percentage (0.423), 24th in sacrifice flies (33), 34th in scoring (8.2) and 38th in runs (474).

"Receiving the call from Smiley offering me this opportunity was a true blessing, and I'm incredibly grateful for his trust in me as one of his assistants. I'm eager and prepared to collaborate with Miami and the rest of the staff," said Rivera. "My aim is to foster an environment where players feel valued every day and recognize their importance to the team! I want them to learn and create a winning culture through hard work and drive. I'm definitely excited about the journey ahead."

This past season with the Sycamores, Rivera spent time assisting coaches with the daily operations of the program, which included practice planning, game strategy and player development. He utilized advanced video analysis software to provide necessary feedback to help improve his athlete's performance. He also spent time assisting the staff with their recruiting efforts through scouting and communicating with potential recruits.

As a player at Indiana State under Smiley, Rivera helped contribute to the team's first NCAA Super Regional appearance since 1986 during the 2023 season. He finished his collegiate career with the Sycamores, having played in 112 games and made 94 starts. Prior to Indiana State, Rivera spent two seasons at Wabash Valley College, where he helped the Warriors to a Conference Championship as well as a NJCAA Regional Championship.

Rivera owns a Bachelor's degree in Sport Management and a Master's in Sport Management from Indiana State.

"Miguel (Miggy) is an excellent addition to our program, and we are thrilled to have him on board with us. Having recruited and coached Miguel, I have seen firsthand not only his commitment and passion for baseball but, more importantly, who he is and what he represents off the field," Smiley said. "He is a first-class human being that personifies exactly what this program should be and will be about moving forward. Our entire team is looking forward to working with and alongside Miguel and watching him grow as a coach."