Angels Bring in Veteran Coaches Gibbons and Eaton to Bolster Coaching Staff

Former Blue Jays manager John Gibbons joins as bench coach, while ex-outfielder Adam Eaton takes over as first base coach

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:40pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping scenes of a baseball game and coaching staff meeting, capturing the strategic changes and new energy surrounding the Angels' coaching staff.The Angels' coaching staff shakeup injects veteran experience and expertise into the team's leadership, aiming to guide the club back to the playoffs.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Angels are shaking up their coaching staff, bringing in a pair of experienced veterans to work alongside new manager Kurt Suzuki. Former Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons is joining the Angels as bench coach, while ex-MLB outfielder Adam Eaton has been hired as the team's first base coach.

Why it matters

The additions of Gibbons and Eaton bring a wealth of major league experience to the Angels' coaching staff, which could prove invaluable for the relatively inexperienced Suzuki. Gibbons' track record of success as a manager, including leading the Blue Jays to the ALCS in 2015 and 2016, should provide steady guidance, while Eaton's defensive expertise could help improve the Angels' outfield play.

The details

Gibbons, 63, managed the Blue Jays for 11 seasons, compiling a 793-789 record. He has also served as a bench coach for the Mets and Royals. Eaton, 37, played 10 seasons in the majors with the White Sox, Nationals, Diamondbacks, and Angels, winning a World Series with the Nationals in 2019. He has spent the last two seasons as the director of player development at Michigan State University.

  • Gibbons and Eaton are joining the Angels' coaching staff ahead of the 2026 MLB season.

The players

John Gibbons

A veteran manager with 11 seasons of experience, including leading the Toronto Blue Jays to the ALCS in 2015 and 2016.

Adam Eaton

A former MLB outfielder who spent 10 seasons in the majors, including winning a World Series with the Nationals in 2019. He has spent the last two years as the director of player development at Michigan State University.

Kurt Suzuki

The new manager of the Los Angeles Angels, who is relatively inexperienced in coaching at the major league level.

Perry Minasian

The general manager of the Los Angeles Angels, who brought in Gibbons and Eaton to bolster the coaching staff.

Jeff Fletcher

The reporter from the Orange County Register who broke the news of the Angels' coaching staff changes.

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What they’re saying

“We must bring in experienced coaches to help guide our new manager and take this team to the next level.”

— Perry Minasian, General Manager, Los Angeles Angels

“I'm excited to work with Kurt and the rest of the staff to help this team reach its full potential.”

— John Gibbons, Bench Coach, Los Angeles Angels

“This is a great opportunity to get my foot in the door as a coach and share my knowledge of the game.”

— Adam Eaton, First Base Coach, Los Angeles Angels

What’s next

The Angels will hold their first spring training workouts in February 2026, with Gibbons and Eaton expected to be on the field working with the players.

The takeaway

The Angels' coaching staff shakeup is a clear sign that the organization is committed to turning things around after a disappointing 2025 season. The additions of Gibbons and Eaton bring a wealth of experience and expertise that could be exactly what the team needs to support the inexperienced Suzuki and get the Angels back into playoff contention.