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Giants Hire Tennessee’s Tony Vitello as Manager in First Direct College-to-MLB Move

Posey frames the hire as a culture-focused reset, with reports saying San Francisco will pay his $3 million Tennessee buyout.

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - JUNE 08: Head Coach Tony Vitello of the Tennessee Volunteers during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Baum-Walker Stadium at George Cole Field during the NCAA Baseball Super Regional - Fayetteville on June 08, 2025 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Volunteers 11-4. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
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FILE – Tennessee coach Tony Vitello, center, hoists the championship trophy following his team’s 6-5 victory against Texas A&M in Game 3 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals in Omaha, Neb., June 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz, File)
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Overview

  • San Francisco announced the hiring Wednesday, with Buster Posey lauding Vitello’s leadership and Vitello calling the opportunity an honor.
  • The 47-year-old replaces Bob Melvin, who was fired Sept. 29 after an 81-81 season and a fourth consecutive year without a playoff berth.
  • Vitello becomes the first MLB manager hired directly from a college program without any prior professional coaching experience.
  • He compiled a 341–131 record and won the 2024 national title at Tennessee, and athletic director Danny White confirmed his departure.
  • Multiple reports say the Giants will cover Vitello’s approximately $3 million buyout, and the club already features several former Volunteers in its system.