As of now, several Major League teams still have managerial vacancies. The Giants are reportedly close to filling their hole — and the reported name is a well-known one across baseball circles: current Volunteers head coach Tony Vitello.
Per the New York Times, the Giants are close to hiring Vitello. Although the manager would not confirm the hiring when reached by the outlet.
In an update from ESPN, an official decision on Vitello’s hiring is expected within the next few days.
The Times noted that Buster Posey reportedly wanted a voice with significant enthusiasm, something Vitello has been well-known for during his college head coaching days. However, the move would be highly unorthodox.
There have been cases in the past of storied collegiate managers and coaches heading to professional baseball, and vice versa.
Examples include longtime USC manager Mike Gillespie joining the Yankees to manage their short-season affiliate in 2007. Ed Blankmeyer, formerly of St. John’s University (NY), was manager of the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones at the start of this decade.
On the other hand, Wes Johnson, formerly the pitching coach with the Twins, left the organization to head to LSU in 2022. Johnson would later become the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs.
However, a jump of this magnitude — going from college straight to the Majors — is nearly unprecedented. Pat Murphy, the current manager of the Brewers, was a former college head coach. But, he spent significant time in the Minors, before becoming interim manager for the Padres, and ultimately, now the manager of the Brewers.
Vitello had a storied collegiate career, coaching at Missouri, and has led the Tennessee Volunteers over the last few years to significant success. His program won the 2024 College World Series and produced the likes of Garrett Crochet, Christian Moore, and current Giants outfielder Drew Gilbert, among others.
Before his time in Tennessee, he helped now-Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer adjust his wildman-like delivery, which helped Scherzer become a high-end college pitcher before embarking on a Hall of Fame career.
He would replace Bob Melvin if the move becomes official.
It would also leave the Tennessee Volunteers, likely a contender for the 2026 College World Series, scrambling for a manager heading into 2026 on short notice.
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