Lopez began his head coaching career at Cal State Dominguez Hills, a Division II school, in 1983 and built the program into a national championship contender.

He won two Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships and appeared in five NCAA tournaments and two College World Series.

He also averaged 39 wins per season, including a school record 50 games and a College World Series appearance in 1996.

In his fourteen seasons as head coach, U of A qualified for the NCAA tournament eight times, including two College World Series appearances and one national championship.

Lopez announced his retirement on May 25, 2015, in a press conference alongside Athletic Director Greg Byrne.

[1] On July 18, 2017, the American Baseball Coaches Association announced that they would induct Andy Lopez into their 2018 Hall of Fame Class.