Doug Martin Announces Retirement After 18 Seasons at Northwest Florida

For Immediate Release

NICEVILLE, Fla. — After nearly two decades of building one of the nation's premier junior college baseball programs, Northwest Florida State head coach Doug Martin has announced he will retire at the conclusion of the 2026 season.

"I would like to thank Mickey Englett, who gave me the opportunity in 2008 to become head baseball coach at Northwest Florida," said Coach Martin. "I'm grateful to all the outstanding players and coaches—past and present—who have made Raider Baseball one of the premier programs in the nation. It has been a true honor to represent the Doolittle Raiders, who are the true heroes of our great nation. Thank you, and go Raiders!"

Martin, who was hired in 2008 as just the third head coach in program history, leaves behind a legacy defined by sustained excellence and national success. During his tenure, the Raiders have made 10 postseason appearances, captured four Panhandle Conference Championships, won two FCSAA State/NJCAA Region 8 titles, and advanced to two NJCAA World Series. His crowning achievement came in 2015, when he guided Northwest Florida to its first NJCAA National Championship.

Widely respected across the junior college landscape, Martin has earned numerous coaching honors throughout his career. He was named NJCAA Division I Coach of the Year in 2015 following the program's national title run and has been recognized as Panhandle Conference Coach of the Year four times (2011, 2019, 2023, 2024). He also earned FCSAA Coach of the Year honors twice (2015, 2024).

While team accomplishments have defined his tenure, Martin's impact on player development has been equally significant. Since arriving in Niceville, he has helped 174 student-athletes move on to four-year institutions, while 42 players have signed professional contracts with Major League organizations. His commitment to developing talent and preparing players for the next level has become a hallmark of the program.

"Northwest Florida State College has been incredibly fortunate to have such an outstanding leader guiding our baseball program over the past 18 years" said Director of Athletics, Ramsey Ross. "Under Coach Martin's vision and leadership, Raider Baseball has grown into one of the most respected programs in the country. While the championships speak for themselves, what stands out most is the standard of excellence he instilled in his players—on the field, in the classroom, and in their lives beyond the game.

I've always admired the lasting connection our former players maintain with Raider Baseball long after their time here. The culture Coach Martin built is truly special, and it continues to shape generations of student-athletes. No one represents the authentic Doolittle Raider spirit more than Doug Martin."

Prior to Northwest Florida State, Martin spent 10 seasons at Pensacola Junior College (now Pensacola State College), where he was instrumental in the program's resurgence. Serving as assistant head coach from 1999 to 2004 and associate head coach from 2005 to 2008, he helped guide the Pirates to multiple conference championships, state tournament appearances, and national recognition. The program's breakthrough came in 2004 with a State/Region 8 Championship and a JUCO World Series berth, followed by a school-record 41–6 season and No. 1 national ranking in 2008. During his tenure, Martin also played a key role in developing more than 30 professional players and numerous four-year signees.

Martin's experience extends to the professional ranks as well. In 2005, he served as pitching coach for the Pensacola Pelicans, helping lead the team to a league-best strikeout-to-walk ratio and a playoff appearance. Earlier in his career, he worked as an associate scout for the Atlanta Braves during the 1990s, contributing during a historic stretch that included multiple division titles and a 1995 World Series championship.

He began his coaching career at the high school level, leading Pensacola High School (1994) and Escambia High School (1998) to district championships.

A native of Pensacola, Florida, Martin played collegiately at Pensacola Junior College from 1989 to 1990 before continuing his career at Auburn University at Montgomery from 1992 to 1993.

"Coach Doug Martin's impact on Northwest Florida State College extends far beyond his remarkable record. As a national champion and hall of fame coach, he built a program rooted in excellence, discipline, and opportunity," said NWFSC President Mel Ponder.

"His legacy is defined not only by championships, but by the countless student-athletes he mentored and the lives he shaped.  We are deeply grateful for his extraordinary service - his influence will be felt for generations, and he will always be a part of Raider history."

Martin's impact on Northwest Florida State College, its student-athletes, and the broader baseball community will be felt for years to come as he closes out a remarkable coaching career in 2026.

Northwest Florida athletics invites the public to attend Martin's last home game Thursday, April 23 at the Raider baseball complex. Gametime is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. with sophomore and Martin's recognition beginning around 4:40 p.m.