With just under three months until the start of the 2026 season, the Abilene Flying Bison have announced their latest addition to the 2026 Flying Bison coaching staff. Abilene native and 2x Flying Bison, Riley Hood, will be joining the staff this summer as Infielders Coach.
About Riley Hood
Riley was born in Amarillo, TX but raised in Abilene, TX. Currently he’s a senior at Lander University, finishing out his college eligibility with the Bearcats before he returns to Abilene for his first coaching position. Prior to Lander University, Riley was a member of the McMurry University Warhawks.
Riley joined the Flying Bison for our inaugural season in 2024. That team went on to secure the league’s title of regular season champions after an impressive 42-22 record. He returned for the second half of season two, helping drive the Bison to the championship finals for the second year in a row.
During his time with the Bison, Riley boasted a .276 average with a .409 OBP. Because he shares the same hometown as the Flying Bison, he’s often referred to by fans (and the front office) as Mr. 325, the Abilene area code.
On him joining as the 2026 Infielders Coach for the Flying Bison, President + GM John Stark had this to say:
“Riley is one of the finest young men that I have ever encountered not just in baseball, but in life. His Abilene roots run deep from Wylie Little League all the way through college and of course your Abilene Flying Bison. We are just as excited for him to join our on-field staff as we were to see him on the field.”
Riley will not only take the field as coach this summer; he’s also made it on to the giveaway schedule with Riley Hood bobblehead night on July 4th, celebrating everything he’s done for the Flying Bison and baseball in Abilene.
With his previous experience with the Bison, a human dynamo at 3rd base, and the support of Abilene behind their local hero, we know that Riley’s future is bright and can’t wait to have him take the field as coach this season.
Learn about Kyler Harris, 2026 Pitching Coach, here.