Overview
- Vitello was presented at Oracle Park as San Francisco’s 40th manager, becoming the first sitting college head coach to move directly into an MLB managerial job and doing so without prior pro experience.
- The Giants committed to a three-year deal reported at about $3.5 million annually with a vesting option and agreed to cover roughly $3 million to buy out his Tennessee contract.
- President of baseball operations Buster Posey and general manager Zack Minasian led the search, with Minasian first elevating Vitello’s candidacy and Posey emphasizing leadership and culture-building as decisive factors.
- Vitello described the role as a “very recent dream,” acknowledged unknowns in adapting to a 162‑game season, and said he will lean on veteran players while prioritizing teaching and fundamentals.
- A national-title winner at Tennessee in 2024 with multiple College World Series trips, Vitello drew early support from Giants players such as Logan Webb and suggested his hire could deepen MLB–college collaboration.