Giants Close to Hiring Tony Vitello

Multiple outlets report the San Francisco Giants are closing in on hiring University of Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello as their next manager, a nearly unprecedented direct jump from an active college post to a major-league managerial job without prior professional managerial experience. Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey is said to be sold on Vitello’s high-energy vision — including a pitch about beating the Dodgers — and has made him a top target. Vitello is reportedly torn, has remained at Tennessee addressing his team while talks continue, and a decision could come within 24–72 hours. His contract situation reportedly includes about a $3 million annual salary and roughly a $3 million buyout, and if hired he would command top-tier manager pay despite lacking professional managerial experience. Reaction across baseball is mixed, with some praising the infusion of energy and others questioning how a college coach’s approach will translate to a major-league clubhouse, and the move could reshape how teams evaluate managerial candidates.