Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Twins pitching coach Wes Johnson will leave the team to join LSU in the same role, according to multiple reports Sunday evening.

Johnson has previous college coaching experience. Before joining the Twins, he served as Arkansas' pitching coach as it reached the College World Series final in 2018.

Still, the decision to leave a first-place Twins team in the middle of the season -- and after the conclusion of the college baseball season -- raised eyebrows among Minnesota observers. The Twins reportedly asked Johnson about what it would take for him to stay, but he held firm to his decision and did not request more money.

Minnesota will promote assistant pitching coach Pete Maki to replace Johnson.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Two-time Stanley Cup champion announces retirement
NBA hands Raptors forward a lifetime ban for his part in betting scandal
Heat lose first play-in game, and possibly Jimmy Butler
Pelicans fans receive crushing Zion Williamson injury news
Struggling Astros are getting a massive boost on Friday
Mike Trout makes his thoughts on a trade from Angels abundantly clear
Nikita Kucherov gets 100th assist, but Auston Matthews can't reach 70 goals
Bill Belichick has reportedly decided on future for 2024 NFL season
NFL talent evaluators raise concerns about USC QB Caleb Williams
Dolphins GM reaffirms confidence in QB Tua Tagovailoa
Coby White's monster game leads Bulls into rematch with Heat
Angels' big free-agent signing will miss entire 2024 season
Six-time NBA All-Star announces retirement 
Caitlin Clark lands massive endorsement deal from Nike
Oregon DB Daylen Austin arrested and charged with felony over fatal accident
Watch: Nicolas Batum makes it rain from deep for the 76ers
Steelers' Russell Wilson blasted by Super Bowl champion: 'You were along for the ride' for championship
Red Sox place pivotal starter on injured list with oblique strain
Yankees' Juan Soto reportedly eyeing 'bidding war' between two teams
UAlbany DL AJ Simon, a 2024 NFL Draft hopeful, dies at 25