"University of Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello has emerged as a frontrunner for the San Francisco Giants' managerial job, and a resolution on a potential deal is expected in the next 24 to 72 hours, sources told ESPN, confirming multiple reports. Should the sides agree on a contract, Vitello would become the first manager in major league history to jump directly from a college program to the big leagues without experience in a professional organization."
"San Francisco president of baseball operations Buster Posey has considered a number of managerial candidates, among them former Giants catcher Nick Hundley and a pair of other big league catchers, Kurt Suzuki and Vance Wilson. The Giants have instead trained their interest on Vitello, who has distinguished himself as one of the preeminent recruiters and talent developers in the country during a two-decade career as an assistant and head coach in college."
"The move from college to professional baseball is rare though not unprecedented. Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy spent 25 years in college before joining the San Diego Padres, with whom he managed in the minor leagues. Murphy then spent eight years as Brewers bench coach before taking over as manager in 2024, when he won National League Manager of the Year."
Tony Vitello has emerged as the leading candidate to become the San Francisco Giants' manager, with a contract decision expected within 24 to 72 hours. If hired, Vitello would be the first manager to move directly from a college program to the major leagues without prior professional organization experience. Vitello, 47, won the 2024 College World Series with Tennessee and is highly regarded for recruiting and player development after two decades as a college assistant and head coach. The Giants dismissed Bob Melvin after an 81-81 season and have pursued other candidates, while Vitello's Tennessee contract carries a $3 million buyout. The Giants face a competitive National League West.
Read at ESPN.com
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