BEAUMONT, Texas — John Cannon is no stranger to the Southland Conference.

Cannon was named Lamar's recruiting coordinator and will join Sean Allen's staff beginning with the 2027 season.

"I am very excited to begin working with the Lamar baseball program," Cannon said. "They have a rich history of success, and I am looking forward to helping continue that success.

"Lamar is a program that can consistently compete at a national level, and I am looking forward to being part of the new era of Lamar baseball."

He comes to Beaumont after spending the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Houston Christian, where he helped lead the Huskies to the 2025 Southland Conference tournament title and an NCAA Regional appearance.

Prior to that, Cannon served six seasons as an assistant coach at Wharton County Junior College from 2018-24, working primarily with pitchers and catchers.

During his tenure at Wharton County, he helped develop Region 14 Player of the Year Ben Columbus, Region 14 Pitcher of the Year Brian Panneton and JUCO All-American Rome Shubert.

Before joining the junior college ranks, Cannon was the head coach at Faith West Academy in Katy from 2016-18.

A native of Hutto, Cannon was a three-year starter at Houston, where he earned a degree in sports administration in 2012.

Cannon primarily played catcher during his career at Houston and made 51 starts as a senior.

He batted .302 with 54 hits, seven doubles, one home run, 21 runs scored and 19 RBIs while recording 12 multi-hit games.

Over three seasons with the Cougars, Cannon appeared in 103 games and finished with 65 career hits, 10 doubles, two home runs and 30 RBIs.

He also saw limited action on the mound, making six career appearances and striking out five batters in five innings.

Following his collegiate career, Cannon was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 29th round of the MLB Draft and spent four seasons in the organization as both a catcher and pitcher.

At the plate, Cannon batted .267 in 49 career games, recording 36 hits, five doubles, three home runs and 18 RBIs.

On the mound, he made two appearances and struck out two batters in three innings.

Cannon advanced as high as Triple-A, reaching Albuquerque in 2014.

"John brings a unique playing background, having competed as both a hitter and a pitcher in professional baseball," Allen said. "Those experiences give him a valuable perspective and allow him to evaluate the game from both the offense and pitching sides.

"He also knows the Texas baseball landscape as well as anyone, and the relationships he has built throughout the state will be a tremendous asset as we continue to construct future rosters."