Giants' New Manager Assembles Coaching Staff With 'Something to Prove'

Tony Vitello enthused about the mix of experience and motivation on his new Giants coaching staff.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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New San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello is excited about the coaching staff he has assembled, which includes a mix of veteran coaches like Ron Washington and Frank Anderson, as well as some new faces like Jesse Chavez and Hunter Mense. Vitello says the staff has a 'chip on their shoulder' and something to prove, which he believes will serve the team well.

Why it matters

Building a strong coaching staff is crucial for a first-year manager like Vitello, who is looking to turn the Giants around after a disappointing season. The mix of experience and motivation on this staff could provide the spark the team needs to improve.

The details

Vitello's staff includes veteran coaches like Washington, the former Angels manager, and Anderson, Vitello's former pitching coach at Tennessee. There are also newer faces like Chavez, a recently retired player who will serve as bullpen coach, and Mense, the new hitting coach who comes from a World Series team. Vitello says the common thread is that the coaches all have 'something to prove', whether it's a first chance, a second chance, or a last chance at something.

  • Vitello discussed his new coaching staff on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the Giants' spring training facility in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The players

Tony Vitello

The new manager of the San Francisco Giants, hired this offseason to turn the team around after a disappointing season.

Ron Washington

A veteran coach who previously managed the Angels and will serve as a senior advisor on Vitello's staff.

Frank Anderson

Vitello's former pitching coach at the University of Tennessee, who will serve as the Giants' director of pitching.

Jesse Chavez

A recently retired MLB pitcher who will serve as the Giants' bullpen coach, bringing valuable experience and connections to the staff.

Hunter Mense

The Giants' new hitting coach, who comes from a World Series-winning team and is considered a rising star in the coaching ranks.

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What they’re saying

“It's a nice blend of different backgrounds, different things that guys are known for, as far as their specialties. Different ages, different versions of experience. That experience doesn't have to be in the big leagues, but I think you certainly want to have some of that in your dugout.”

— Tony Vitello, Giants Manager (sfchronicle.com)

“The bigger deal on the pie chart is the players being able to go to him, because it's really easy for them, in their mind to say, 'Well, I'm wearing the jersey, I'm on the field, I'm on the field, you're not,' and they can go to him. Whether it's me or anyone else commenting on pitching, he's one guy they can go to that's lived it, or maybe the one guy that can support an opinion or an area we're addressing, and say, 'I've lived this out,' because Jesse's been there.”

— Tony Vitello, Giants Manager (sfchronicle.com)

What’s next

The Giants will continue to work on finalizing their coaching staff and preparing for the upcoming season, with spring training underway.

The takeaway

Vitello has assembled a diverse and experienced coaching staff with a mix of veteran leaders and hungry up-and-comers, all of whom have something to prove. This blend of experience and motivation could be the spark the Giants need to turn things around after a disappointing season.