Niko Buentello Named Head Coach of Northwest Florida Baseball
For Immediate Release
NICEVILLE, Fla. — Northwest Florida Baseball officially begins a new chapter as Niko Buentello has been named the fourth head coach in program history.
"We are thrilled to announce Niko Buentello as the next head coach of Raider Baseball," said Director of Athletics Ramsey Ross. "Coach Buentello has built an impressive portfolio throughout his career and has played an instrumental role in our program's success over the past two seasons.
Known as a dynamic recruiter and respected leader, Niko has consistently developed high-powered offenses while helping elevate every program he has been a part of. More importantly, his vision aligns with the championship standard and culture of excellence that define Northwest Florida State College — on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. We are excited for the future of Raider Baseball under his leadership."
A Dallas, Texas native, Buentello has spent the last two seasons on Doug Martin's staff at Northwest Florida, working primarily with the Raiders' position players and offense. His impact was immediate, helping guide the Raiders to back-to-back conference-leading offensive seasons in 2025 and 2026. This past season, Northwest Florida hit .341 while setting a new single-season program record with 82 home runs.
During his two years as an assistant, Buentello helped coach 17 All-Panhandle Conference selections, eight All-FCSAA honorees, and consecutive Panhandle Conference Players of the Year in Qrey Lott and Orlando Fernandez. 11 of his hitters advanced to four-year programs, including four Power Four signees, while Lott signed a professional contract with the San Diego Padres.
On the recruiting trail, Buentello secured the No. 1 ranked high school recruiting class in the country for 2026 according to Perfect Game — the first top-ranked class in program history.
"I want to personally thank President Ponder, Athletic Director Ramsey Ross, and our administration for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead this historic program," said Buentello. "I also want to congratulate and thank Coach Martin for building such a strong foundation and wish him the very best in retirement. I'm incredibly excited for the opportunity to continue the tradition of success here at Northwest Florida and help lead this program into its next chapter. Go Raiders!"
Before arriving at Northwest Florida, Buentello served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Georgia State from 2021-24, helping the Panthers to a 31-win season and Sun Belt Conference Tournament appearance in 2022. He also coached an offense that hit 75 home runs in 2022— the third-highest total in program history — led by All-American Max Ryerson and Griffin Cheney, a ninth round MLB Draft pick in the 2022.
Prior to Georgia State, Buentello spent four seasons at Wallace Community College, where he helped the Governors compile a 141-40 record while developing 41 Division I signees and four MLB Draft selections. Wallace hit .339 or better in every season during his tenure while scoring at least 420 runs each year.
As a player, Buentello began his collegiate career at Oklahoma before transferring to Grayson College and later Auburn. At Auburn, he hit .332 with 11 home runs and 55 RBIs as a junior before being selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 2016 MLB Draft.
We are proud to name Niko Buentello as the next head coach of Raider Baseball. Having worked alongside Coach Doug Martin, Niko understands the championship culture and standard of excellence that have defined this program, and we are grateful to Coach Martin for the legacy he has built," said NWFSC President Mel Ponder. "We are confident Niko will carry forward that championship tradition while continuing to develop our student-athletes for impact and success - excelling both on the fields of play as well as in their fields of study."
Buentello earned his bachelor's degree in public administration from Auburn in 2017. He and his wife, Callie, are proud parents to their son, Niko "Ko" Jr., and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their daughter this summer.