Tennessee's Tony Vitello Addresses Giants Job Leak

Vitello says reporting on his interest in the Giants job before it was official caused issues within his Tennessee program.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tony Vitello, the former head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers baseball team, addressed the media about the reporting on his interest in the San Francisco Giants manager job. Vitello said the reporting, which came several days before the job was officially announced, caused issues within his Tennessee program as it threatened the jobs of his coaching staff. Vitello expressed frustration at not knowing who leaked the information and said it affected how the final days of his tenure at Tennessee played out.

Why it matters

Vitello's move from college baseball to the major leagues as the Giants' new manager was a significant story, but the premature reporting on his interest in the job created unnecessary disruption within the Tennessee program he was leaving behind. This highlights the challenges coaches can face when their career moves become public knowledge before they are finalized.

The details

Vitello started his press conference by asking reporters when they first heard about his interest in the Giants job, saying the reporting came about four or five days before he was officially announced as the new Giants manager. Vitello said the timing of the reporting was not accurate, as he was still coaching his Tennessee team through fall workouts during that period. Vitello said the reporting was creating issues within his Tennessee program, as it threatened the jobs of his coaching staff who had been built up as the "next man up." Vitello said he had to get confirmation from his staff that they were okay with what was happening before he could move forward.

  • The Athletic reported on October 18 that San Francisco was 'closing in' on hiring Vitello as their next manager.
  • Vitello was officially announced as the Giants' new manager on October 22, four days after the initial reporting.

The players

Tony Vitello

The former head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers baseball team, who was hired as the new manager of the San Francisco Giants in October 2026.

Buster Posey

A former MLB player who Vitello referenced in his comments.

Josh Elander

Vitello's former associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Tennessee, who took over as the new head coach of the Volunteers program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When did when did you first think I was taking this job? Do you remember that far back?”

— Tony Vitello, Former Tennessee Head Coach (on3.com)

“Yeah, that's funny you say that, because that was not reality at all. I don't know if Buster (Posey) would feel the same way, but that wasn't the case. Somebody decides they think they got the information.”

— Tony Vitello, Former Tennessee Head Coach (on3.com)

“That staff had always been built as next man up, and all of a sudden that was being threatened. So it was kind of hard to do something for yourself, and your teammates get left behind.”

— Tony Vitello, Former Tennessee Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

Vitello will begin his tenure as the new manager of the San Francisco Giants when the team opens their spring training schedule on Saturday in the Cactus League in Arizona. The Giants will then open the regular-season schedule against the Yankees on MLB Opening Night on March 25 at Oracle Park in San Francisco.

The takeaway

Vitello's comments highlight the challenges coaches can face when their career moves become public knowledge before they are finalized, as the premature reporting on his interest in the Giants job created unnecessary disruption within the Tennessee program he was leaving behind. This underscores the importance of maintaining confidentiality around sensitive personnel decisions in sports.