Tony Vitello First College Coach to Manage MLB

Tony Vitello has accepted the San Francisco Giants' manager job, becoming the first collegiate head coach to jump directly to Major League Baseball after seven seasons at Tennessee, where he compiled a 341–131 record and led the Volunteers to their first national championship in 2024. In a lengthy statement he called the decision “selfish” and “personal,” insisted he is a “Vol For Life,” and said he hopes the move won’t give him “Lane Kiffin status” with Tennessee fans. He said he intends to remain connected to Tennessee—attending games or possibly returning in some capacity. Reports indicate the Giants gave him a contract worth around $3 million. The hire raises immediate pressure and scrutiny as Vitello attempts to translate his college success to the major leagues while expressing gratitude and mixed emotions about leaving Knoxville.