San Francisco Giants Hire Tennessee's Tony Vitello as New Manager
The San Francisco Giants have appointed Tennessee Volunteers coach Tony Vitello as their new manager, a significant gamble given his lack of prior professional coaching experience in Major League Baseball.
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Overview
- The San Francisco Giants have hired Tony Vitello, the successful coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, to be their new manager, marking a significant leadership change.
- Vitello's appointment is notable as he has no prior professional coaching experience, making this his first direct transition from college baseball to Major League managing.
- Since his hiring in 2017, Vitello has consistently led the Tennessee Volunteers to success within the highly competitive Southeastern Conference.
- This decision represents a considerable gamble for the Giants, who are reportedly seeking stability and have made significant investments in the team's future.
- The Giants concluded their recent season with an 81-81 record, showing a slight improvement from the previous year, as they now look to Vitello for future success.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by characterizing the San Francisco Giants' hiring of Tony Vitello as an "unprecedented gamble." They emphasize his lack of professional experience and the inherent risk involved, setting a narrative of a high-stakes decision. While acknowledging Vitello's college success, the editorial choices prioritize the speculative nature of the move.
"It has all of the makings of an unmitigated disaster, but Posey didn’t budge."
USA TODAY"The San Francisco Giants are hiring Tennessee Volunteers coach Tony Vitello as manager for his first pro coaching job."
Chicago Tribune"San Francisco is getting a colorful and brash manager in Vitello."
Associated PressArticles (3)
Center (3)
FAQ
Tony Vitello was the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers baseball program since 2017, leading them to significant successes including multiple College World Series appearances, SEC championships, and the program's first ever National Championship in 2024.
No, Tony Vitello is the first and only college baseball coach to be hired directly as a Major League Baseball manager without prior professional coaching experience.
Under Vitello's leadership, Tennessee won their first National Championship in 2024, made six NCAA regional appearances, five super regionals, and three College World Series appearances, while also setting multiple records for wins and player development.
Vitello faces the challenge of transitioning directly from college to professional baseball management, a rare move in MLB history, and is tasked with bringing stability and improving on the Giants' recent 81-81 season record.
Tony Vitello compiled a 341–131 overall record (.722 winning percentage) as head coach at Tennessee from 2018 to 2025.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.