John has made a significant impact in the world of college baseball, especially since stepping into the role of head coach for the Oklahoma State Cowboys back in 2013. Before taking the reins at Oklahoma State, John gained valuable experience as an assistant coach at prominent programs like Arizona State and Vanderbilt, building a strong foundation for his future success. It didn’t take long for John to leave his mark—by 2014, he had led the Cowboys to a conference regular season championship, a major milestone that earned him the well-deserved title of Big 12 Conference Baseball Coach of the Year.
But John’s journey to coaching greatness started long before that. Back in 1995, right after high school, he was actually drafted by the Minnesota Twins, showing early promise as a player. However, John made the pivotal decision to attend Oklahoma State University instead of going pro, a choice that would shape his future. After playing several years in the minor leagues, he transitioned into coaching, officially launching his coaching career in 2001.
On a personal note, John is a family man—he’s been married for years and is a proud father to his children. Baseball runs deep in his blood; his brother, Matt Holliday, is a well-known All-Star MLB outfielder who enjoyed a stellar professional career. And it doesn’t stop there—John’s father, Tom Holliday, also coached at OSU, making it a true family legacy. With such strong roots in the sport, it’s no surprise that John has become such a respected figure in collegiate baseball today.
He was the recruiting coordinator at Vanderbilt, where he played a key role in building a standout roster. Under his guidance, the team achieved remarkable success, ultimately setting an SEC record with 26 wins in 2013. His efforts helped shape one of the most successful seasons in conference history, and his impact was felt across the program. He truly left a mark during his time there.