Giants Name Tony Vitello as New Manager
SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Giants announced today the hiring of Tony Vitello as their new manager, bringing an end to their search for a leader to revitalize the franchise. Vitello, 45, joins the Giants after a highly triumphant seven-year tenure at the University of Tennessee, where he led the Volunteers to their first national championship in baseball in 2024.
The move marks a meaningful shift for the Giants, who are hoping Vitello’s proven ability to build a winning culture and develop young talent will translate to the Major League level. He replaces Bob Melvin,who departed after one season to manage the san Diego Padres. Vitello’s hiring is notably notable given his collegiate success and the Giants’ recent struggles to consistently contend in a competitive National League West.
Vitello amassed a 341-131 record at Tennessee, guiding the Volunteers to three College World Series appearances. He secured two SEC regular-season titles and a pair of SEC Tournament championships, including a victory in 2024. His teams consistently demonstrated strong performance,culminating in the 2024 College World Series title.
Prior to his time at Tennessee, Vitello held coaching positions at Missouri, TCU, and Arkansas. He began his coaching career at Missouri as an infielder and later served as hitting coach for the Razorbacks.He also spent time as associate head coach of the Salinas Packers in the California Collegiate League in 2002,leading the team to a 50-14 record and a berth in the National Baseball Congress World Series.
A native of St. Louis, Vitello signed a five-year extension with Tennessee in 2024, which included a $3 million buyout. Tennessee athletic director Danny white stated the university was focused on supporting players and the coaching staff during the transition. “We are committed to continuously investing in the program at a championship level across all areas,” White said. “Moreover, the upcoming $109 million renovation of Lindsey Nelson Stadium will transform it into one of the premier baseball venues.”
The Giants are currently undergoing renovations to their own ballpark, Oracle Park, and are hoping Vitello can inspire similar excitement and investment in the team’s future.
