Newport has a new head baseball coach entering the 2014 season, and it will be a familiar face for those who follow the Knights.

Brad Files, an assistant with the program for 17 years according to the team’s official website, will take over for Hal DeBerry, who spent four seasons at the helm.

DeBerry stepped down due to a conflict with his coaching duties and employment, according to Newport athletic director Gill James.

Files played for former Newport baseball coach and current scorekeeper Bob “Mitch” Mitchell, himself an institution around the program, and has also spent time with many Newport players and coaches as part of Food Giant and Lakeside Recovery American Legion teams.

James said during the interview process, it became apparent Files’ ties to the history of Newport baseball would be an invaluable asset.

“That was a big part of his interview,” James said. “He talked even going back to being a six year old kid growing up, coming to Newport baseball games.”

The Knights own the most decorated postseason history in the area, and one of the most prolific in the state with six state championships and a host of conference, district and regional titles.

The past two seasons have been uncharacteristic for the Knights, with an 8-12 overall record last year the first sub-.500 mark since 1992.