New Giants Manager Tony Vitello Brings College Energy to MLB

Former Tennessee coach takes over in San Francisco, aiming to end playoff drought

Feb. 10, 2026 at 6:23pm

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Tony Vitello, the new manager of the San Francisco Giants, is bringing his high-energy approach from the college ranks to the major leagues. Vitello, who had a successful run at the University of Tennessee, is the first college coach in MLB history to transition directly to a manager role. The Giants are hoping his passion and teaching ability can help the team return to the playoffs for the first time in five years.

Why it matters

Vitello's hiring represents a bold move by the Giants, who are betting that his college success and player development skills can translate to the professional level. If it works, it could open the door for more college coaches to make the jump to MLB, but if it fails, it may confirm the long-held belief that the transition is too difficult.

The details

Vitello took over as Giants manager after the team fired Bob Melvin following the 2025 season. In his first spring training press conference, Vitello made a strong impression on the players with his energetic and demanding approach, a stark contrast to Melvin's more laid-back style. Vitello is familiar with a few Giants players from his time at Tennessee, but he's spent the last few weeks getting to know the rest of the roster, traveling to meet players in their home countries and moving into his spring training home early to connect with early arrivals.

  • Vitello was hired as Giants manager in the offseason following the 2025 season.
  • Vitello held his first spring training press conference on February 10, 2026.

The players

Tony Vitello

The new manager of the San Francisco Giants, who is making the rare jump from the college ranks to an MLB manager position. Vitello had a highly successful tenure as the head coach at the University of Tennessee.

Buster Posey

The president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants, who made the bold decision to hire Vitello despite his lack of professional experience.

Drew Gilbert

An outfielder for the San Francisco Giants who played under Vitello at Tennessee.

Blade Tidwell

A pitcher for the San Francisco Giants who also played for Vitello at Tennessee.

Sam Hentges

A Giants pitcher who was recruited by Vitello when he was at Arkansas, and is now excited to play for him in the majors.

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What they’re saying

“It was inspiring, pretty amped up in a good way. Bo-Mel was like chill. He's at one level. He would introduce himself, tell us what the goal for the season is, and that kind of stuff. It was all in a chill-like voice. Then, you get Vitello, who's more energetic. He's coming from college so he's got this louder voice, bringing more energy to the meeting.”

— Ryan Walker, Giants reliever

“Guys in here who have played for him at Tennessee keep raving about him. He's got a great baseball mind, (is) a great motivator, and I've heard he's a great leader. A big, big energy guy. I know it's a different situation going straight from college to the big leagues, but I think he's fully capable of it.”

— Sam Hentges, Giants pitcher

“From all of my interactions with him, I'm super excited to have him in charge. I feel like he's going to do a great job for us. I feel like he's got a really good baseball mind. You can tell he's smart and is intense and competitive. I think he's going to be a good fit for us.”

— Matt Chapman, Giants All-Star third baseman

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Vitello's hiring represents a bold gamble by the Giants, betting that his college success and high-energy approach can translate to the major league level. If it works, it could open the door for more college coaches to make the jump, but if it fails, it may confirm the long-held belief that the transition is too difficult.