The MLB world witnessed something historic before the World Series even began. Speculation had been swirling all weekend about the San Francisco Giants and Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello, but nothing had been confirmed—until Wednesday. That historic hiring is now official: Vitello is leaving the program he turned into a powerhouse.
“Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello is finalizing a deal to become the next manager of the San Francisco Giants, sources tell me and Jeff Passan. Vitello, 47, will be the first ever to jump from college coach to MLB manager without any professional experience,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported.
With Vitello gone, there’s really only one candidate who makes sense for the Tennessee Volunteers—and the good news is, he’s already on Rocky Top.
“Josh Elander is a prototypical Danny White hire. Young top assistant coach, elite recruiter and has been responsible for one of the nation’s best offenses. He’s the right choice to lead Tennessee’s program forward,” Vols reporter Ryan Schumpert wrote.
Elander is largely responsible for Tennessee’s offensive surges in recent years. As Vitello’s top assistant, his promotion feels like a natural transition. Even former Vols are voicing their support, including star Christian Moore.
“Thank you Coach V for everything you’ve done. You’ve brought this program, players and fans nothing but joy and we are all grateful for it! I look forward to seeing Coach Elander take this role! There isn’t anyone that deserves it more than he does. He is the glue to it all! GBO,” Moore wrote.
Elander has remained committed to the program despite receiving offers for several head coaching jobs around the NCAA. Rocky Top means a lot to him, and taking over the head job seems like the obvious next step.
If Athletic Director Danny White doesn’t make it happen, a mass exodus could be on the horizon in Knoxville. The players respect Elander just as much as they did Vitello—if he leaves, many of them might follow.
