Tennessee Volunteers head baseball coach Tony Vitello watches the football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the UAB Blazers during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. (photo from Yahoo News)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Giants are closing in on hiring University of Tennessee Head Coach Tony Vitello to be the team’s next manager according to news sources.

Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey has been searching for a new manager since he dismissed Bob Melvin from the post on Sept. 29. Several names have come up, such as Nick Hundley and Brandon Hyde. 

Tony Vitello’s name has also come up. However, hiring Vitello straight from the dugout of a college team, and bringing him right into the role of a big league manager would be an unprecedented move in Baseball History.

Vitello has his credentials. He has headed Tennessee’s baseball program since 2018, and led them to the college world championship in 2024. In his time at Tennessee, Vitello has built a reputation as one of the most respected college baseball coaches in the country.

There have been other college head coaches who have become big league managers, such as Brewers Manager Pat Murphy. However, Murphy managed in the Padres’ minor league system before becoming a big league manager.

Vitello was present at a team practice for Tennessee on Sunday, which caused speculation that perhaps he will not be coming to the Giants. However, no one can say for sure until the Giants confirm or deny Baggarly’s report.

This is a developing story.