Jeff Tam was named head coach of the Florida Tech baseball program in December 2021 after serving three seasons as an assistant coach beginning in 2019. Entering his fifth season at the helm in 2026, Tam has steadily guided the Panthers’ growth and competitiveness within the Sunshine State Conference.
In his first four seasons as head coach, Tam has compiled a 95–102 overall record while developing seven All-SSC honorees. The 2025 campaign highlighted the program’s progress, as Florida Tech finished 24–24, including a strong 13–12 mark on the road. The Panthers secured a signature series win over nationally ranked Rollins (#21), swept Palm Beach Atlantic, and won three of four matchups against Embry-Riddle. Additional highlights included a shutout upset over #4 Florida Southern and non-conference series victories against Spring Hill and Augusta.
Tam made an immediate impact in his first season in 2022, leading the Panthers to a 31–19 record and a sixth-place finish in the SSC. The team earned back-to-back upset victories over #7 Nova Southeastern, while Dylan Owens and Sam Schner received All-SSC recognition. Alex Carpenter was also named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America Team, the programs first ever recipent.
During his time as an assistant coach at Florida Tech, Tam helped develop seven All-SSC players. Boris Villa (2021) and Andy Marzhuerser (2019) also earned All-South Region Second Team honors from the ABCA and NCBWA, respectively.
Prior to Florida Tech, Tam spent seven seasons as head coach at Eastern Florida State College, where he posted a winning record every year, including four consecutive 30-win seasons, and totaled 216 victories. Under his leadership, four players were selected in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. He also served as the program’s pitching coach before becoming head coach.
Tam brings professional playing experience to his role, having spent six seasons in Major League Baseball as a relief pitcher from 1998 to 2003 with the New York Mets, Cleveland Indians, Oakland Athletics, and Toronto Blue Jays. In his MLB debut on June 30, 1998, he retired All-Stars Jose Canseco, Carlos Delgado, and Tony Fernandez. He finished his career with a 3.91 ERA across 251 appearances, with standout seasons in 2000 and 2001 as Oakland’s setup man, helping lead the Athletics to postseason appearances both years.
A Melbourne native and graduate of Eau Gallie High School, Tam went on to star at Florida State University before signing with the New York Mets as an undrafted free agent in 1993. He later earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida State in 2011.
Tam and his wife, Monica, reside in Melbourne and have two children, Darian and Addison.
