Giants reportedly targeting Tennessee's Vitello as next manager but decision remains pending

The San Francisco Giants are targeting University of Tennessee head baseball coach Tony Vitello to fill their managerial vacancy, according to multiple reports including one from MLB Network insider Jon Heyman. The Giants have not officially confirmed the pursuit, and Vitello remained noncommittal when questioned about the opportunity.

Vitello addressed questions about the Giants job when contacted by the Knoxville News Sentinel but provided no confirmation of an agreement.

"Nothing is done," Vitello told the Sentinel.


ESPN's Jeff Passan and Pete Thamel reported that a decision on whether Vitello will become San Francisco's next manager was expected within 24 to 72 hours. The timeline suggests negotiations are ongoing but no final determination has been reached.

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Tennessee program transformation under Vitello's leadership

Vitello has served as head coach at the University of Tennessee since the 2018 season. The program had endured more than a decade without an NCAA Tournament appearance before his arrival.

Under Vitello's direction, the Volunteers have experienced a dramatic turnaround. Tennessee won its first national championship in 2024, capping a period that included three men's College World Series berths in four seasons. The sustained success has elevated the program's national profile and established Tennessee as a perennial contender.

Giants maintain strong recruiting ties to Tennessee baseball program

The Giants have established significant connections to the Volunteers program through recent draft selections and trades. Gavin Kilen, a star infielder at Tennessee, was selected by San Francisco with the 13th overall pick in the 2025 Draft.

The Giants selected Tennessee shortstop Maui Ahuna in the fourth round of the 2023 Draft. At this year's Trade Deadline, San Francisco acquired outfielder Drew Gilbert and right-hander Blade Tidwell in exchange for reliever Tyler Rogers. Both Gilbert and Tidwell were Volunteers drafted in the first and second rounds, respectively, in 2022.

These roster connections could facilitate Vitello's transition to professional baseball if he accepts the position.

Additional candidates linked to Giants managerial opening

Several other candidates have been associated with the Giants' search for a new manager. Former Giants catcher Nick Hundley has been mentioned as a potential candidate, along with former Oakland Athletics catcher Kurt Suzuki.

Cleveland Guardians associate manager Craig Albernaz has also been linked to the opening. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa represents another candidate under consideration by the organization.

The breadth of candidates suggests the Giants are conducting a comprehensive search process while pursuing Vitello as their apparent top choice.

Bob Melvin dismissed after two seasons with Giants

The successful candidate will replace Bob Melvin, who was dismissed on September 29 following two seasons as San Francisco's manager. The club posted a 161-163 record during Melvin's tenure and failed to reach the playoffs in either season.

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Melvin's dismissal came after back-to-back disappointing campaigns that fell short of organizational expectations. The Giants are seeking a managerial change to reverse their recent struggles and return to postseason contention.

Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey is overseeing the search for Melvin's replacement. The decision to pursue Vitello represents a notable shift toward a candidate with extensive college coaching experience rather than a traditional professional baseball background.