Vitello Defends White, Says Giants Job Too Good to Pass Up

Former Tennessee baseball coach says AD Danny White not to blame for his departure to MLB's San Francisco Giants.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello said it was unfair to label Tennessee AD Danny White as the reason why he left the Volunteers' baseball program. Vitello admitted the opportunity to manage in Major League Baseball was too good to pass up, despite how hard it was to leave Knoxville. The former Tennessee coach praised White's work in improving the school's facilities and finances, saying the decision to take the Giants job was ultimately his own.

Why it matters

Vitello's departure from Tennessee was a major loss for the Volunteers' baseball program, which had seen great success under his leadership. His comments help provide clarity on the reasons behind his decision to leave college baseball for the MLB, and aim to clear White of any blame in the matter.

The details

Vitello led Tennessee to an overall record of 341-131, including a 125-85 mark in conference play, during his tenure. He won two regular season SEC titles, one SEC Tournament title, and guided the Vols to three appearances in the College World Series, including a national championship in 2024. Despite this success, Vitello felt the opportunity to manage in the majors with the San Francisco Giants was too good to pass up.

  • Vitello was named the new manager of the San Francisco Giants in February 2026.

The players

Tony Vitello

The new manager of the San Francisco Giants, who previously served as the head baseball coach at the University of Tennessee.

Danny White

The athletic director at the University of Tennessee, who Vitello says is not to blame for his departure to the Giants.

Bruce Pearl

The men's basketball coach at the University of Tennessee, who Vitello praised as being "very personable" and "loved in the community."

Rick Barnes

The men's basketball coach at the University of Tennessee, who Vitello called "one of the best individuals on the planet."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“No, and it's not, and I'll say it's not fair for us to have a barrier wall put up in our relationship too, because Danny's really, exceptional when it comes to finances, there's been a lot of restructuring. Obviously, you just go to the baseball stadium, but you could go all over campus and see the work that's being done with the buildings that are being put on campus.”

— Tony Vitello, New San Francisco Giants Manager (Outkick's Hot Mic)

“It was hard. It was a tough break. I know Bruce Pearl is just, he's very personable. He's loved in the community. But you get to a point where Coach Barnes is your coach, and literally, one of the best individuals on the planet. That's not even opinion, that's fact. It's many people's opinions, so it is a fact.”

— Tony Vitello, New San Francisco Giants Manager (Outkick's Hot Mic)

What’s next

Vitello will take over as manager of the San Francisco Giants for the 2026 MLB season.

The takeaway

Vitello's departure from Tennessee was a significant loss for the Volunteers' baseball program, but he maintains that the decision to take the Giants job was his own and that AD Danny White should not be blamed. Vitello's praise for the Tennessee basketball coaches and the school's facilities upgrades under White's leadership suggests the move was driven more by Vitello's personal growth and the allure of managing in the majors than any issues with the university.