Giants' New Manager Tony Vitello Urged to Embrace Accountability

FOX Sports analyst Dontrelle Willis believes Vitello's path to success lies in holding himself and his players accountable.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:21am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes in muted earth tones, capturing the complexity and multi-faceted nature of a new manager's adjustment to the major leagues.A cubist interpretation of the challenges facing a new MLB manager as he navigates the transition from college to the professional ranks.San Diego Today

After a tough start to the 2026 MLB season, San Francisco Giants' new manager Tony Vitello has been advised by FOX Sports analyst Dontrelle Willis to focus on accountability within his team and with the media. Willis believes Vitello, who previously led Tennessee to a College World Series victory, needs to adjust his approach from the college to the professional level and take responsibility for the team's performance.

Why it matters

Vitello's transition from college to the major leagues has been challenging, and how he handles accountability and leadership will be crucial to his long-term success as Giants manager. Willis' advice highlights the importance of adaptability and self-reflection for coaches moving up to the professional level.

The details

In his first three games as Giants manager, Vitello has struggled, dropping all of the team's opening series against the New York Yankees. Willis noted that Vitello has acknowledged the need to make adjustments, saying 'Hey, I came into this with this type of tone, I'm going to make an adjustment.' Willis believes Vitello's willingness to take accountability, with both his players and the media, is a positive sign and will help him find success at the MLB level.

  • Vitello was hired as the Giants' new manager prior to the 2026 MLB season.
  • The Giants lost all three games in their opening series against the New York Yankees at Oracle Park.

The players

Tony Vitello

The new manager of the San Francisco Giants, who previously led the Tennessee Volunteers to a College World Series victory in 2024.

Dontrelle Willis

A FOX Sports baseball analyst who provided advice and analysis on Vitello's transition to the major leagues.

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What they’re saying

“This worked in college, maybe this isn't going to work in the big leagues,”

— Dontrelle Willis, FOX Sports baseball analyst

“Hey, I came into this with this type of tone, I'm going to make an adjustment.”

— Tony Vitello

“You have to be yourself,”

— Dontrelle Willis, FOX Sports baseball analyst

What’s next

The Giants will continue their early-season schedule with a series against the San Diego Padres, where Vitello will look to earn his first win as the team's new manager.

The takeaway

Vitello's transition from the college ranks to the major leagues will require adaptability and a willingness to take accountability for his team's performance. By embracing this approach, as advised by analyst Dontrelle Willis, Vitello can build trust with his players and the organization, which will be crucial to his long-term success as Giants manager.