Giants Near Deal to Hire Tony Vitello as New Manager

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The San Francisco Giants are finalizing a deal to hire Tony Vitello, head coach of the University of Tennessee baseball team, as their new manager, sources confirmed on Tuesday. This move marks a historic transition, as Vitello would become the first manager to leap directly from a college program to Major League Baseball without prior professional coaching experience.

Vitello, 47, has transformed the Tennessee Volunteers into a powerhouse, leading them to three College World Series appearances in the last five years, including a national championship victory in 2024. Despite his lack of professional experience, Vitello’s reputation as an elite recruiter and motivator has drawn significant interest from the Giants.

Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey has sought a dynamic presence to invigorate the team and its fan base, which has seen the team miss the playoffs for four consecutive years. Vitello’s high-energy style of coaching and success at Tennessee have made him an appealing candidate.

Sources indicated that negotiations between the Giants and Vitello were progressing quickly after days of speculation. He was earlier considering remaining at Tennessee, where he signed a record-setting contract worth over $3 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college baseball.

If the agreement is finalized, Vitello will take over from Bob Melvin, who was dismissed after the team finished the 2025 season with an 81-81 record. The Giants hope that Vitello’s innovative approach will translate to success at the major league level, where hiring coaches from college ranks is uncommon.

In a statement, Vitello said, “There is nothing to confirm,” but his reputation as a fierce competitor and dynamic leader has already drawn attention from MLB scouts and executives alike. If hired, this unprecedented move could set a new precedent for future college coaches aspiring to enter professional baseball.