Giants Hire Vitello as New Manager

Veteran coach takes over as first-time MLB manager in San Francisco

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:35pm by Ben Kaplan

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The San Francisco Giants have hired veteran baseball coach Tony Vitello as their new manager, marking an unprecedented move for the franchise. Vitello, who has extensive experience at the college and minor league levels but has never managed in Major League Baseball, will take over the reins of the Giants as they look to turn around a recent stretch of losing seasons.

Why it matters

Vitello's hiring is a bold and unconventional move for the Giants, who are hoping his proven track record of player development and strategic acumen can help revitalize the team and return them to playoff contention. His lack of MLB managerial experience, however, raises questions about how quickly he can adapt to the demands of the big leagues.

The details

Vitello, 52, has spent the past decade as a highly successful college baseball coach, leading programs at the University of Tennessee and University of Arkansas to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. He has also served as a minor league manager and coach in the farm systems of the St. Louis Cardinals and Colorado Rockies. The Giants are banking on Vitello's reputation for getting the most out of his players and implementing innovative analytical strategies to help transform the team.

  • Vitello was hired as the Giants' new manager on March 20, 2026.
  • He will officially take over the team at the start of the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Tony Vitello

A 52-year-old baseball coach with extensive experience at the college and minor league levels, but no prior managerial experience in Major League Baseball.

San Francisco Giants

The professional baseball team based in San Francisco, California, who play in the National League West division of MLB.

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What they’re saying

“Tony has a proven track record of developing talent and getting the most out of his players. We believe his innovative approach and passion for the game will be exactly what this team needs to get back on track.”

— Farhan Zaidi, Giants President of Baseball Operations

“I'm honored and excited for the opportunity to lead this storied franchise. My goal is to build a winning culture and bring a championship back to San Francisco.”

— Tony Vitello

What’s next

Vitello will begin assembling his coaching staff and evaluating the Giants' roster ahead of Spring Training, with the team's first game under his leadership scheduled for April 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The Giants' unconventional hire of Tony Vitello as their new manager signals a willingness to take a risk on an up-and-coming baseball mind in hopes of reviving the franchise. Vitello's success at the college and minor league levels will now be put to the test at the highest level of the sport.