Ray Tanner (born March 25, 1958) is in his 13th season as the head baseball coach at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. His record since arriving at Carolina in 1997 is 540-243 (.690). He led Carolina to three consecutive College World Series appearances in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and coached the USA Baseball National Team during the 2003 summer. His South Carolina team has qualified for nine consecutive NCAA postseasons (the longest streak in the SEC), and is one of only two programs in the nation to appear in the Super Regionals 7 out of the past 8 years.

After graduating from South Johnston High School in Four Oaks, NC, Ray Tanner attended North Carolina State University, in Raleigh, NC from 1977 to 1980. He played for Sam Esposito, starting four seasons at shortstop and third base.

Tanner became an assistant coach to NCSU coach Sam Esposito immediately after his playing days were over. He remained in that position from 1980-1987, when Esposito retired and Tanner was named his successor. At age 28, he was one of the youngest head coaches in the country. His nine year record at NC State was 395-173-3.

Ray Tanner has a longstanding commitment to USA Baseball. He served as an assistant coach in 1993 and again in 1995 and 1996, coaching at the Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

Career highlights:
Overall: 935-416-3 (.691)

Championships:
2000 Southeastern Conference
2002 Southeastern Conference
2004 Southeastern Conference Tournament

Awards:
1990 ACC Coach of the Year
1998 SEC Coach of the Year
2000 SEC Coach of the Year
2000 National Coach of the Year

Coaching career (HC unless noted):
1988-1996: NC State
1997-Present: University of South Carolina