SF Giants Nearing Hiring of College Coach as New Manager
The San Francisco Giants are reportedly nearing a significant coaching decision by considering a college coach for their managerial position. One prominent candidate is Tony Vitello, the head coach of the University of Tennessee’s baseball team.
Sparking Interest in Tony Vitello
At 47 years old, Vitello has established himself as a leading figure in college baseball. Under his leadership, Tennessee transformed from a struggling program to a powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference.
- The Volunteers have achieved five consecutive Super Regional appearances.
- They have made three trips to the College World Series.
- Tennessee captured a national championship in 2024.
The university has also produced several Major League Baseball players during his tenure, including current Giants prospects such as outfielder Drew Gilbert and pitcher Blade Tidwell.
Recent Developments
Reports regarding Vitello’s candidacy began circulating on the final day of the Giants’ season. The Athletic’s reporter, Andrew Baggarly, highlighted that Vitello could be a frontrunner even before the official dismissal of previous manager Bob Melvin.
Baggarly noted that Vitello and Buster Posey, Giants’ president of baseball operations, attended a Giants-Rockies series together. This raised speculation about potential discussions regarding the managerial role.
Initially, there were talks about Nick Hundley, Posey’s former backup catcher, being a candidate. However, Hundley has reportedly withdrawn from consideration, shifting the focus back to Vitello.
Vitello’s Status and Impact
During a recent scrimmage, Vitello addressed his team and acknowledged the rumors regarding his potential new role. He indicated that while interest exists, no official offer from the Giants has been made as of yet.
Financial Considerations
In the rare event that an MLB team hires a college coach for a managerial position, it usually leads to questions regarding pay. Reports suggest that if hired, Vitello would not receive an entry-level salary, with his current earnings at Tennessee exceeding $3 million.
Should the Giants proceed with hiring Vitello, it would mark a bold move for Posey, who has made notable decisions since taking over the front office. This potential hiring, especially after acquiring Rafael Devers, could indicate a new direction for the team.
The selection of a college coach represents a significant shift, challenging traditional pathways into MLB management. The Giants appear to be embracing innovation under Posey’s leadership.
