After seven seasons marked by postseason success, championship titles and a lasting impact on the organization, Chris Coste is stepping away from the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, closing a significant chapter in the club’s history.
Coste has stepped down as manager of the RedHawks, effective immediately, the team announced Wednesday. Since taking over as interim manager in 2020, the Fargo, N.D.-native compiled a 365-294 record, a .554 winning percentage, and guided the club to six postseason appearances in seven seasons.
His tenure included the American Association's 2022 Miles Wolff Cup championship and the inaugural WBSC Baseball Champions League Americas title in 2023. Under his leadership, 15 RedHawks players also had their contracts transferred to Major League Baseball organizations, highlighting the club’s role in developing professional talent.
Coste’s connection to the Fargo-Moorhead club dates back to 1996, when he first played for the RedHawks, who were then a member of the Northern League. He returned to the organization as a member of the coaching staff in 2018 before assuming managerial duties two years later. His contributions were further recognized with his recent induction into the American Association Hall of Fame.
In a statement, Coste described his departure as a difficult but necessary personal decision, emphasizing that he was leaving on excellent terms with the organization. He also expressed confidence in the RedHawks’ position moving forward, which helped ease his decision to step away from managing on the field.
“The RedHawks have been a big part of my life for over 30 years. They provided me with the opportunity to become a professional baseball player back in 1996, to become a coach in 2018 and then the opportunity to become a manager in 2020. I owe the RedHawks and the Thom family more than I could ever repay,” Coste said in a press release announce the move.
Away from Fargo-Moorhead, Coste took over as manager of the Cañeros de Los Mochis in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico midway through last year's winter ball season, and returned as manager in Los Mochis this season..
Coste initially joined the club’s coaching staff as bench and catching coach before taking over as interim manager midway through the 2024-25 season following the departure of Félix Fermín. Coste guided the team to an 8-5 record over its final 13 regular-season games and helped secure a playoff spot. He was subsequently retained as the club’s full-time manager and returned to lead Los Mochis for the 2026-27 season, which began Oct. 12.
The RedHawks said they will immediately begin a nationwide search for the fifth manager in franchise history.
