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Tennessee Baseball Prepares for Elander Era
Vols promote assistant Josh Elander to head coach after Tony Vitello's departure for MLB
Published on Feb. 3, 2026
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The Tennessee baseball program is entering a new era after head coach Tony Vitello left to become the manager of the San Francisco Giants. The Vols have promoted longtime assistant Josh Elander to take over as the new head coach, marking his first time as a head coach at any level. Tennessee will feature a mix of returning players and key transfers as they look to build on their recent success, which includes a national championship in 2024.
Why it matters
Tennessee baseball has been one of the most successful programs in the country in recent years under Vitello's leadership. The transition to a new head coach, especially one with no prior head coaching experience, will be closely watched as the Vols aim to maintain their status as an elite college baseball program.
The details
Elander has been on the Tennessee staff since Vitello's arrival in 2018, first as an assistant and then becoming the associate head coach in 2022. He also served as the program's recruiting coordinator. The Vols will feature a healthy mix of returners and newcomers, including standout transfers like infielder Henry Ford from Virginia and pitcher Brady Frederick from ETSU. Key returning players include catcher Stone Lawless, first baseman Levi Clark, and pitchers Tegan Kuhns and Brandon Arvidson.
- The Vols will open the 2026 season on February 13 at home against Nicholls State.
- Tennessee will begin SEC play a month later on March 13 at Georgia.
- The Vols will host ETSU in a midweek game on March 3.
The players
Josh Elander
The new head coach of the Tennessee baseball program, promoted from his previous role as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator.
Tony Vitello
The former Tennessee head coach who left the program to become the manager of the San Francisco Giants, marking the first time someone went from the college ranks to MLB manager with no previous MLB experience.
Stone Lawless
The redshirt sophomore catcher who is expected to be the team's starting catcher to begin the 2026 season.
Henry Ford
The infielder transfer from Virginia who hit .348 with 28 home runs over two seasons with the Cavaliers.
Brady Frederick
The ETSU transfer who was the 2025 SoCon Pitcher of the Year and had a 2.67 ERA and 0.89 WHIP.
What they’re saying
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
The takeaway
Tennessee's baseball program is entering a new era with the promotion of Josh Elander to head coach, but the expectations remain high as the Vols look to build on their recent success and maintain their status as an elite college baseball program.
