Vitello: ‘Right Call’ to Manage Giants Despite ‘Selfish’ Label
In an unprecedented move, Tony Vitello has transitioned from being the head coach of the Tennessee baseball team to the manager of the San Francisco Giants. This marks the first occasion where a Major League Baseball (MLB) team has appointed a manager directly from a collegiate program without prior professional coaching experience.
Vitello’s Decision to Join the Giants
Vitello addressed the difficulty of leaving his position at Tennessee on October 24, 2025. He admitted to reporters that his choice was driven by personal reasons, referring to it as “selfish.” He acknowledged the challenge of his decision but affirmed, “It was the right decision.”
Background and Accomplishments
At 47 years old, Vitello brings significant accomplishments to his new role. He led the Tennessee Volunteers to a remarkable 341-131 record. Under his leadership, the team made three appearances in the Men’s College World Series and won a national title in 2024.
Giants’ Recent Performance
- The San Francisco Giants have not reached the playoffs in four consecutive seasons.
- The team finished the previous season with a .500 record at 81-81.
The Hiring Process
Vitello was first linked to the Giants on Saturday when he emerged as the frontrunner for the managerial position. He expressed frustration over the media’s portrayal of the hiring process, stating, “I did not have anything to do with that, and it put everyone in a whirlwind.”
Following the announcement of his hiring, Vitello plans to officially introduce himself at a press conference next Thursday. In the meantime, he reflected on the support he received from Tennessee fans, who expressed their wishes for him to stay during a recent scrimmage.
Gratitude for Tennessee Fans
Despite his move to San Francisco, Vitello remains thankful for the Volunteers community. He noted, “If that is the last time I ever stepped foot on this campus… I’m just so thankful for the people that showed up.”
As he steps into this new chapter with the Giants, analysts and fans alike will be watching how Vitello adapts to the challenges of managing at the major league level.
