Tenn. Vols Vitello nearing deal to become SF Giants manager .. Rats !

[ramfandan]

Sometimes the source for these anonymous leaks is the person himself or his agent just to get his name associated with a job and raise his profile.

Or as you said , the interest is real but his agent wants time to see if Tenn .will offer even a 'higher ' contract to retain him.
However, the Vols did make him the highest paid manager with $3M per year. Would Tenn. really want to go higher to retain him ?

Have you ever heard of anybody turning down a managerial job in MLB to coach in college?

What is unique in this case is that it is unprecedented that a MLB team would consider hiring a guy with NO minor league coaching experience.
Take Pat Murphy (Brewers ) He was at Notre Dame and Ariz. St for 15 years. He did have minor league gigs and then Craig Counsell (brewers at the time ) hired Murph (who was his college coach at Notre Dame ) to be his bench coach in Milw.
In Vitello's case, he has NONE of that background . His own dad was a baseball head coach guy .
maybe not a good analogy but Vitello right to pros from head college job is akin to Cincinnati Moeller HS football coach going from HS to be head coach at Notre Dame. Faust came to ND in 1981 ? and was out by 1985

I could see a coaching job of some kind but not a MLB manager job. Perhaps low minors managerial job. I strongly suspect he or his agent were behind this rumor.

No way he is accepting a low minors manager job. Do you know any of those that pay $3 Million per year ? That’s what he makes at U. If Tenn. I don’t think so.

[dugoutrex]

Sometimes the source for these anonymous leaks is the person himself or his agent just to get his name associated with a job and raise his profile.

Or as you said , the interest is real but his agent wants time to see if Tenn .will offer even a 'higher ' contract to retain him.
However, the Vols did make him the highest paid manager with $3M per year. Would Tenn. really want to go higher to retain him ?

Have you ever heard of anybody turning down a managerial job in MLB to coach in college?

What is unique in this case is that it is unprecedented that a MLB team would consider hiring a guy with NO minor league coaching experience.
Take Pat Murphy (Brewers ) He was at Notre Dame and Ariz. St for 15 years. He did have minor league gigs and then Craig Counsell (brewers at the time ) hired Murph (who was his college coach at Notre Dame ) to be his bench coach in Milw.
In Vitello's case, he has NONE of that background . His own dad was a baseball head coach guy .
maybe not a good analogy but Vitello right to pros from head college job is akin to Cincinnati Moeller HS football coach going from HS to be head coach at Notre Dame. Faust came to ND in 1981 ? and was out by 1985

I could see a coaching job of some kind but not a MLB manager job. Perhaps low minors managerial job. I strongly suspect he or his agent were behind this rumor.

No way he is accepting a low minors manager job. Do you know any of those that pay $3 Million per year ? That’s what he makes at U. If Tenn. I don’t think so.

How 'bout those Rams today!

[ramfandan]

Sunday UPDATE on Vitello to San Fran

ESPN Jeff Passan said late Sat. decision would be made 24-72 hours
(With 72 hours making Tues the latest

2) Vitello had practice on sat and Sun. On Sat. After practice met with team players in RF telling them you will hear rumor later today about me going to San Fran. ‘Nothing is done’. If something happens, I will meet with you to tell you (implying first)

3). Reports are Vitello has the offer and wanted to ‘ sleep on it’

4). Vitello has $3M buyout (his current yearly salary)if he opts to leave Tenn. So his agent and San Fran would have to agree who is picking up the $3M .. will San Fran pay all? Will each side pony up half?

5). Since I live within an hour of Knoxville, hearing local media who mostly think Vitello would go to SanFran as he had won a national championship at Tenn. So staying would be only to win added ones. He already accomplished his initial goal. Secondly, some say hr relishes new challenge. He knows no college coach had gone right to MLB manager. He would be the first ever.

6) for what it’s worth, locals feel from 90-10 to 70-30 Vitello will depart .


Will update further after watching 10pm Knoxville tv news tonight

[ilcubuffs]

Vitello has won a College WS and improved the university's baseball program.

Gosh the Cards have Marmot who has zip comparable credentials. He did lose a playoff series to Phillies in one of the dumbest managerial moves AND Gorman, Walker , etc have regressed in quest to become MLB talent. Can't even find an exec with the cajones to fire the putz.

[ScotchMIrish]

Sometimes the source for these anonymous leaks is the person himself or his agent just to get his name associated with a job and raise his profile.

Or as you said , the interest is real but his agent wants time to see if Tenn .will offer even a 'higher ' contract to retain him.
However, the Vols did make him the highest paid manager with $3M per year. Would Tenn. really want to go higher to retain him ?

Have you ever heard of anybody turning down a managerial job in MLB to coach in college?

What is unique in this case is that it is unprecedented that a MLB team would consider hiring a guy with NO minor league coaching experience.
Take Pat Murphy (Brewers ) He was at Notre Dame and Ariz. St for 15 years. He did have minor league gigs and then Craig Counsell (brewers at the time ) hired Murph (who was his college coach at Notre Dame ) to be his bench coach in Milw.
In Vitello's case, he has NONE of that background . His own dad was a baseball head coach guy .
maybe not a good analogy but Vitello right to pros from head college job is akin to Cincinnati Moeller HS football coach going from HS to be head coach at Notre Dame. Faust came to ND in 1981 ? and was out by 1985

I could see a coaching job of some kind but not a MLB manager job. Perhaps low minors managerial job. I strongly suspect he or his agent were behind this rumor.

No way he is accepting a low minors manager job. Do you know any of those that pay $3 Million per year ? That’s what he makes at U. If Tenn. I don’t think so.

You are correct unless his goal is managing in MLB in which case managing in the minors would be a stepping stone. If I was him I'd keep making $3 million a year. Tennessee's SEC record this season was 16-14. Overall 46-19. 65 game season for $3 million a year vs 162 in MLB.

16-14 conference record equates to MLB manager?

[ramfandan]

Sometimes the source for these anonymous leaks is the person himself or his agent just to get his name associated with a job and raise his profile.

Or as you said , the interest is real but his agent wants time to see if Tenn .will offer even a 'higher ' contract to retain him.
However, the Vols did make him the highest paid manager with $3M per year. Would Tenn. really want to go higher to retain him ?

Have you ever heard of anybody turning down a managerial job in MLB to coach in college?

What is unique in this case is that it is unprecedented that a MLB team would consider hiring a guy with NO minor league coaching experience.
Take Pat Murphy (Brewers ) He was at Notre Dame and Ariz. St for 15 years. He did have minor league gigs and then Craig Counsell (brewers at the time ) hired Murph (who was his college coach at Notre Dame ) to be his bench coach in Milw.
In Vitello's case, he has NONE of that background . His own dad was a baseball head coach guy .
maybe not a good analogy but Vitello right to pros from head college job is akin to Cincinnati Moeller HS football coach going from HS to be head coach at Notre Dame. Faust came to ND in 1981 ? and was out by 1985

I could see a coaching job of some kind but not a MLB manager job. Perhaps low minors managerial job. I strongly suspect he or his agent were behind this rumor.

No way he is accepting a low minors manager job. Do you know any of those that pay $3 Million per year ? That’s what he makes at U. If Tenn. I don’t think so.

You are correct unless his goal is managing in MLB in which case managing in the minors would be a stepping stone. If I was him I'd keep making $3 million a year. Tennessee's SEC record this season was 16-14. Overall 46-19. 65 game season for $3 million a year vs 162 in MLB.

16-14 conference record equates to MLB manager?

and you are correct in saying that in ALL past cases that managing in the minors would be a stepping stone. However, in this case Giants Buster Posey has reached out to Vitello to make him the first MLB manager without that stepping zone. So Posey has (for good or bad ) not had 'previous minor league coaching/ managing as a prerequisite for his hiring. Posey going 'outside the box' as they say .

Regarding Vitello's record. Yes, we do know his record was 16-14 this season . He also has won a national championship . So sure Posey is looking at his overall performance which you states as 46-19 .Winning 46 of 65 games is a 70% winning percentage. That is an outstanding winning % in baseball.
He will not be expected to win 70% in San Fran as nobody in MLB wins at that rate. In fact, name one manager in 2025 that won even 60% of the 162 games ..NADA Brewers Pat Murphy had the best record in baseball at .599 . Only 8 of 30 teams in the MLB won 90 or more games of the 162. Even a manager that wins 90 games in the majors is losing 72 games over the season. Vitello like every other MLB manager will lose a lot of games.
So think Posey is just fine with Vitello's record .
Vitello may be fine with staying at Tenn. We will know today or tomorrow most likely . All I am saying , it appears that Posey wants him and Vitello may just accept the challenge. As for his projected pay , I am sure he would get something north of $5.5 M per year (and I may be on low side ). He appears to be the type guy who 'loves a challenge' and from this report , he told Posey 'I am the guy who can beat the Dodgers'
in an interview with Posey. https://atozsports.com/nashville/volunt ... ew-giants/

Talk can be cheap and certainly bragadocious . We do know that Posey's goal is to knock off LAD in their division.
Posey can swing and miss with Vitello certainly but it appears Posey is willing to take a shot with him . It's going out on a limb . Can Posey pull it off ? Remains to be seen.

[ScotchMIrish]

Sometimes the source for these anonymous leaks is the person himself or his agent just to get his name associated with a job and raise his profile.

Or as you said , the interest is real but his agent wants time to see if Tenn .will offer even a 'higher ' contract to retain him.
However, the Vols did make him the highest paid manager with $3M per year. Would Tenn. really want to go higher to retain him ?

Have you ever heard of anybody turning down a managerial job in MLB to coach in college?

What is unique in this case is that it is unprecedented that a MLB team would consider hiring a guy with NO minor league coaching experience.
Take Pat Murphy (Brewers ) He was at Notre Dame and Ariz. St for 15 years. He did have minor league gigs and then Craig Counsell (brewers at the time ) hired Murph (who was his college coach at Notre Dame ) to be his bench coach in Milw.
In Vitello's case, he has NONE of that background . His own dad was a baseball head coach guy .
maybe not a good analogy but Vitello right to pros from head college job is akin to Cincinnati Moeller HS football coach going from HS to be head coach at Notre Dame. Faust came to ND in 1981 ? and was out by 1985

I could see a coaching job of some kind but not a MLB manager job. Perhaps low minors managerial job. I strongly suspect he or his agent were behind this rumor.

No way he is accepting a low minors manager job. Do you know any of those that pay $3 Million per year ? That’s what he makes at U. If Tenn. I don’t think so.

You are correct unless his goal is managing in MLB in which case managing in the minors would be a stepping stone. If I was him I'd keep making $3 million a year. Tennessee's SEC record this season was 16-14. Overall 46-19. 65 game season for $3 million a year vs 162 in MLB.

16-14 conference record equates to MLB manager?

and you are correct in saying that in ALL past cases that managing in the minors would be a stepping stone. However, in this case Giants Buster Posey has reached out to Vitello to make him the first MLB manager without that stepping zone. So Posey has (for good or bad ) not had 'previous minor league coaching/ managing as a prerequisite for his hiring. Posey going 'outside the box' as they say .

Regarding Vitello's record. Yes, we do know his record was 16-14 this season . He also has won a national championship . So sure Posey is looking at his overall performance which you states as 46-19 .Winning 46 of 65 games is a 70% winning percentage. That is an outstanding winning % in baseball.
He will not be expected to win 70% in San Fran as nobody in MLB wins at that rate. In fact, name one manager in 2025 that won even 60% of the 162 games ..NADA Brewers Pat Murphy had the best record in baseball at .599 . Only 8 of 30 teams in the MLB won 90 or more games of the 162.
So think Posey is just fine with Vitello's record .
Vitello may be fine with staying at Tenn. We will know today or tomorrow most likely . All I am saying , it appears that Posey wants him and Vitello may just accept the challenge. As for his projected pay , I am sure he would get something north of $5.5 M per year (and I may be on low side ). He appears to be the type guy who 'loves a challenge' and from this report , he told Posey 'I am the guy who can beat the Dodgers'
in an interview with Posey. Talk can be cheap and certainly bragadocious . We do know that Posey's goal is to knock off LAD in their division.
Posey can swing and miss with Vitello certainly but it appears Posey is willing to take a shot with him . It's going out on a limb . Can Posey pull it off ? Remains to be seen.

It would be an interesting hire. I'm a Missouri fan and I don't attend many Missouri baseball games but I know Vitello used to be an assistant coach here. Recently both the head football coach and offensive coordinator were rumored to be in line for jobs elsewhere. I suspect in both cases they started the rumor themselves to leverage more money from Missouri.

[ramfandan]

Sometimes the source for these anonymous leaks is the person himself or his agent just to get his name associated with a job and raise his profile.

Or as you said , the interest is real but his agent wants time to see if Tenn .will offer even a 'higher ' contract to retain him.
However, the Vols did make him the highest paid manager with $3M per year. Would Tenn. really want to go higher to retain him ?

Have you ever heard of anybody turning down a managerial job in MLB to coach in college?

What is unique in this case is that it is unprecedented that a MLB team would consider hiring a guy with NO minor league coaching experience.
Take Pat Murphy (Brewers ) He was at Notre Dame and Ariz. St for 15 years. He did have minor league gigs and then Craig Counsell (brewers at the time ) hired Murph (who was his college coach at Notre Dame ) to be his bench coach in Milw.
In Vitello's case, he has NONE of that background . His own dad was a baseball head coach guy .
maybe not a good analogy but Vitello right to pros from head college job is akin to Cincinnati Moeller HS football coach going from HS to be head coach at Notre Dame. Faust came to ND in 1981 ? and was out by 1985

I could see a coaching job of some kind but not a MLB manager job. Perhaps low minors managerial job. I strongly suspect he or his agent were behind this rumor.

No way he is accepting a low minors manager job. Do you know any of those that pay $3 Million per year ? That’s what he makes at U. If Tenn. I don’t think so.

You are correct unless his goal is managing in MLB in which case managing in the minors would be a stepping stone. If I was him I'd keep making $3 million a year. Tennessee's SEC record this season was 16-14. Overall 46-19. 65 game season for $3 million a year vs 162 in MLB.

16-14 conference record equates to MLB manager?

and you are correct in saying that in ALL past cases that managing in the minors would be a stepping stone. However, in this case Giants Buster Posey has reached out to Vitello to make him the first MLB manager without that stepping zone. So Posey has (for good or bad ) not had 'previous minor league coaching/ managing as a prerequisite for his hiring. Posey going 'outside the box' as they say .

Regarding Vitello's record. Yes, we do know his record was 16-14 this season . He also has won a national championship . So sure Posey is looking at his overall performance which you states as 46-19 .Winning 46 of 65 games is a 70% winning percentage. That is an outstanding winning % in baseball.
He will not be expected to win 70% in San Fran as nobody in MLB wins at that rate. In fact, name one manager in 2025 that won even 60% of the 162 games ..NADA Brewers Pat Murphy had the best record in baseball at .599 . Only 8 of 30 teams in the MLB won 90 or more games of the 162.
So think Posey is just fine with Vitello's record .
Vitello may be fine with staying at Tenn. We will know today or tomorrow most likely . All I am saying , it appears that Posey wants him and Vitello may just accept the challenge. As for his projected pay , I am sure he would get something north of $5.5 M per year (and I may be on low side ). He appears to be the type guy who 'loves a challenge' and from this report , he told Posey 'I am the guy who can beat the Dodgers'
in an interview with Posey. Talk can be cheap and certainly bragadocious . We do know that Posey's goal is to knock off LAD in their division.
Posey can swing and miss with Vitello certainly but it appears Posey is willing to take a shot with him . It's going out on a limb . Can Posey pull it off ? Remains to be seen.

It would be an interesting hire. I'm a Missouri fan and I don't attend many Missouri baseball games but I know Vitello used to be an assistant coach here. Recently both the head football coach and offensive coordinator were rumored to be in line for jobs elsewhere. I suspect in both cases they started the rumor themselves to leverage more money from Missouri.

I know exactly what you mean regarding the possibility that a coach (or thru an agent ) could try to leverage more $$$. However, in this case a couple things seem to be true. Reportedly , in Sept. Vitello was interviewed by Posey in Colorado when the Giants played a series there.
Posey's first choice was Nick Hundley , who Posey had close ties with , but Hundley has young kids and decided to stay put in front office of Rangers.
So apparently, Posey turned to Vitello as his 2nd choice now. If Vitello's reported comment in Posey interview , 'I can beat the Dodgers' is true then Posey is really rolling the dice here. Plus if Vitello turns down Posey because Vitello stays at U. T. , then Posey will really have egg on his face .
Vitello can certainly get a lucrative deal from Posey now that this all became public. Not a good spot negotiating wise if you are Buster.
As for if U.T. Athletic Director would give Vitello even more $$ to stay ( interesting question ), White made Vitello the highest paid head baseball coach just two years ago . Also I read that apparently White gave increased NIL money to the womens basketball team to get that program even stronger and some think Vitello may have been a bit irked that those added $$ didn't go to his program . Tenn. fanbase certainly wants Vitello to stay . So as they say 'stay tuned ' !

[Jatalk]

I have no problem with a college coach going directly to MLB. Many of the high level college teams in high level conferences are coaching athletes as good as most minor league athletes.

However I am someone that does look at character. I don’t expect coaches to be angels but demonstrate some level of character. I would pass on the Tn coach.

[ramfandan]

A PS :
Tenn. fans worst nightmare is that Vitello (if he goes to Giants ) would in a few years when Arkansas head baseball coach Dave Van Horn retires go to the Razorbacks which has a tremendous winning program in college baseball.
Vitello would certainly be a top candidate (if not THE top guy ) to take over the highly successful Arkansas baseball program.
So Vitello could have an off ramp from San Fran if things flop there for him. Vitello is in a pretty good spot regardless of which direction he goes in .

One thing that could be holding up a final deal is Vitello's buyout with U.T. Vitello and San Fran may be preliminary agreement on his salary per year and number of years but a final thing is 'who pays what for Vitello's buyout . Vitellos owes U.T. $3M if he opts out of his Tenn. contract.

Will Buster Posey pay ALL of that 3 millon ? Will the two sides split it 50/50 ? So the $3M buyout must be agreed upon before any deal with Giants .

[Talkin' Baseball]

Sometimes the source for these anonymous leaks is the person himself or his agent just to get his name associated with a job and raise his profile.

Or as you said , the interest is real but his agent wants time to see if Tenn .will offer even a 'higher ' contract to retain him.
However, the Vols did make him the highest paid manager with $3M per year. Would Tenn. really want to go higher to retain him ?

Have you ever heard of anybody turning down a managerial job in MLB to coach in college?

What is unique in this case is that it is unprecedented that a MLB team would consider hiring a guy with NO minor league coaching experience.
Take Pat Murphy (Brewers ) He was at Notre Dame and Ariz. St for 15 years. He did have minor league gigs and then Craig Counsell (brewers at the time ) hired Murph (who was his college coach at Notre Dame ) to be his bench coach in Milw.
In Vitello's case, he has NONE of that background . His own dad was a baseball head coach guy .
maybe not a good analogy but Vitello right to pros from head college job is akin to Cincinnati Moeller HS football coach going from HS to be head coach at Notre Dame. Faust came to ND in 1981 ? and was out by 1985

I could see a coaching job of some kind but not a MLB manager job. Perhaps low minors managerial job. I strongly suspect he or his agent were behind this rumor.

No way he is accepting a low minors manager job. Do you know any of those that pay $3 Million per year ? That’s what he makes at U. If Tenn. I don’t think so.

You are correct unless his goal is managing in MLB in which case managing in the minors would be a stepping stone. If I was him I'd keep making $3 million a year. Tennessee's SEC record this season was 16-14. Overall 46-19. 65 game season for $3 million a year vs 162 in MLB.

16-14 conference record equates to MLB manager?

and you are correct in saying that in ALL past cases that managing in the minors would be a stepping stone. However, in this case Giants Buster Posey has reached out to Vitello to make him the first MLB manager without that stepping zone. So Posey has (for good or bad ) not had 'previous minor league coaching/ managing as a prerequisite for his hiring. Posey going 'outside the box' as they say .

Regarding Vitello's record. Yes, we do know his record was 16-14 this season . He also has won a national championship . So sure Posey is looking at his overall performance which you states as 46-19 .Winning 46 of 65 games is a 70% winning percentage. That is an outstanding winning % in baseball.
He will not be expected to win 70% in San Fran as nobody in MLB wins at that rate. In fact, name one manager in 2025 that won even 60% of the 162 games ..NADA Brewers Pat Murphy had the best record in baseball at .599 . Only 8 of 30 teams in the MLB won 90 or more games of the 162.
So think Posey is just fine with Vitello's record .
Vitello may be fine with staying at Tenn. We will know today or tomorrow most likely . All I am saying , it appears that Posey wants him and Vitello may just accept the challenge. As for his projected pay , I am sure he would get something north of $5.5 M per year (and I may be on low side ). He appears to be the type guy who 'loves a challenge' and from this report , he told Posey 'I am the guy who can beat the Dodgers'
in an interview with Posey. Talk can be cheap and certainly bragadocious . We do know that Posey's goal is to knock off LAD in their division.
Posey can swing and miss with Vitello certainly but it appears Posey is willing to take a shot with him . It's going out on a limb . Can Posey pull it off ? Remains to be seen.

It would be an interesting hire. I'm a Missouri fan and I don't attend many Missouri baseball games but I know Vitello used to be an assistant coach here. Recently both the head football coach and offensive coordinator were rumored to be in line for jobs elsewhere. I suspect in both cases they started the rumor themselves to leverage more money from Missouri.

I know exactly what you mean regarding the possibility that a coach (or thru an agent ) could try to leverage more $$$. However, in this case a couple things seem to be true. Reportedly , in Sept. Vitello was interviewed by Posey in Colorado when the Giants played a series there.
Posey's first choice was Nick Hundley , who Posey had close ties with , but Hundley has young kids and decided to stay put in front office of Rangers.
So apparently, Posey turned to Vitello as his 2nd choice now. If Vitello's reported comment in Posey interview , 'I can beat the Dodgers' is true then Posey is really rolling the dice here. Plus if Vitello turns down Posey because Vitello stays at U. T. , then Posey will really have egg on his face .
Vitello can certainly get a lucrative deal from Posey now that this all became public. Not a good spot negotiating wise if you are Buster.
As for if U.T. Athletic Director would give Vitello even more $$ to stay ( interesting question ), White made Vitello the highest paid head baseball coach just two years ago . Also I read that apparently White gave increased NIL money to the womens basketball team to get that program even stronger and some think Vitello may have been a bit irked that those added $$ didn't go to his program . Tenn. fanbase certainly wants Vitello to stay . So as they say 'stay tuned ' !

Being made public doesn't back Posey into a corner at all. Fans might accept Vitello, but they aren't clamoring for him. They want a manager they feel good about. If the Giants do this, they won't care if it isn't Vitello. Even if Posey really wants THIS manager- this isn't college. MLB > college. Giants salary > Vol's salary. If the guy wants to manage in the big leagues, there aren't many (or any) opportunities to jump straight from college to the big leagues. Buster is in the drivers seat.

[ramfandan]

Sometimes the source for these anonymous leaks is the person himself or his agent just to get his name associated with a job and raise his profile.

Or as you said , the interest is real but his agent wants time to see if Tenn .will offer even a 'higher ' contract to retain him.
However, the Vols did make him the highest paid manager with $3M per year. Would Tenn. really want to go higher to retain him ?

Have you ever heard of anybody turning down a managerial job in MLB to coach in college?

What is unique in this case is that it is unprecedented that a MLB team would consider hiring a guy with NO minor league coaching experience.
Take Pat Murphy (Brewers ) He was at Notre Dame and Ariz. St for 15 years. He did have minor league gigs and then Craig Counsell (brewers at the time ) hired Murph (who was his college coach at Notre Dame ) to be his bench coach in Milw.
In Vitello's case, he has NONE of that background . His own dad was a baseball head coach guy .
maybe not a good analogy but Vitello right to pros from head college job is akin to Cincinnati Moeller HS football coach going from HS to be head coach at Notre Dame. Faust came to ND in 1981 ? and was out by 1985

I could see a coaching job of some kind but not a MLB manager job. Perhaps low minors managerial job. I strongly suspect he or his agent were behind this rumor.

No way he is accepting a low minors manager job. Do you know any of those that pay $3 Million per year ? That’s what he makes at U. If Tenn. I don’t think so.

You are correct unless his goal is managing in MLB in which case managing in the minors would be a stepping stone. If I was him I'd keep making $3 million a year. Tennessee's SEC record this season was 16-14. Overall 46-19. 65 game season for $3 million a year vs 162 in MLB.

16-14 conference record equates to MLB manager?

and you are correct in saying that in ALL past cases that managing in the minors would be a stepping stone. However, in this case Giants Buster Posey has reached out to Vitello to make him the first MLB manager without that stepping zone. So Posey has (for good or bad ) not had 'previous minor league coaching/ managing as a prerequisite for his hiring. Posey going 'outside the box' as they say .

Regarding Vitello's record. Yes, we do know his record was 16-14 this season . He also has won a national championship . So sure Posey is looking at his overall performance which you states as 46-19 .Winning 46 of 65 games is a 70% winning percentage. That is an outstanding winning % in baseball.
He will not be expected to win 70% in San Fran as nobody in MLB wins at that rate. In fact, name one manager in 2025 that won even 60% of the 162 games ..NADA Brewers Pat Murphy had the best record in baseball at .599 . Only 8 of 30 teams in the MLB won 90 or more games of the 162.
So think Posey is just fine with Vitello's record .
Vitello may be fine with staying at Tenn. We will know today or tomorrow most likely . All I am saying , it appears that Posey wants him and Vitello may just accept the challenge. As for his projected pay , I am sure he would get something north of $5.5 M per year (and I may be on low side ). He appears to be the type guy who 'loves a challenge' and from this report , he told Posey 'I am the guy who can beat the Dodgers'
in an interview with Posey. Talk can be cheap and certainly bragadocious . We do know that Posey's goal is to knock off LAD in their division.
Posey can swing and miss with Vitello certainly but it appears Posey is willing to take a shot with him . It's going out on a limb . Can Posey pull it off ? Remains to be seen.

It would be an interesting hire. I'm a Missouri fan and I don't attend many Missouri baseball games but I know Vitello used to be an assistant coach here. Recently both the head football coach and offensive coordinator were rumored to be in line for jobs elsewhere. I suspect in both cases they started the rumor themselves to leverage more money from Missouri.

I know exactly what you mean regarding the possibility that a coach (or thru an agent ) could try to leverage more $$$. However, in this case a couple things seem to be true. Reportedly , in Sept. Vitello was interviewed by Posey in Colorado when the Giants played a series there.
Posey's first choice was Nick Hundley , who Posey had close ties with , but Hundley has young kids and decided to stay put in front office of Rangers.
So apparently, Posey turned to Vitello as his 2nd choice now. If Vitello's reported comment in Posey interview , 'I can beat the Dodgers' is true then Posey is really rolling the dice here. Plus if Vitello turns down Posey because Vitello stays at U. T. , then Posey will really have egg on his face .
Vitello can certainly get a lucrative deal from Posey now that this all became public. Not a good spot negotiating wise if you are Buster.
As for if U.T. Athletic Director would give Vitello even more $$ to stay ( interesting question ), White made Vitello the highest paid head baseball coach just two years ago . Also I read that apparently White gave increased NIL money to the womens basketball team to get that program even stronger and some think Vitello may have been a bit irked that those added $$ didn't go to his program . Tenn. fanbase certainly wants Vitello to stay . So as they say 'stay tuned ' !

Being made public doesn't back Posey into a corner at all. Fans might accept Vitello, but they aren't clamoring for him. They want a manager they feel good about. If the Giants do this, they won't care if it isn't Vitello. Even if Posey really wants THIS manager- this isn't college. MLB > college. Giants salary > Vol's salary. If the guy wants to manage in the big leagues, there aren't many (or any) opportunities to jump straight from college to the big leagues. Buster is in the drivers seat.

I hear what you are saying that Buster is in the driver's seat . He is going to get a manager one way or another. What is bad for Giants though is the PR thing. You have Nick Hundley who decided to stay in Texas due to family considerations ..fine. Then Buster reaches for Vitello .. Whoever Buster hires if no Vitello becomes 'the 3rd choice' so to speak. Don't get me wrong , there are many examples in various sports where the 2nd or 3rd candidate on a team's wish list gets the job and becomes super successful It's jus the 'Vitello turns down Giants' headline that isn't a good look for Buster and Giants. Fanbases don't like that people are turning down their team's top job. I am sure there are Giants fans who would prefer someone else than Vitello too. So they won't be upset if Vitelo doesn't accept the job. Sure they will be fine though.

Like in many of these cases , I could see Vitello saying 'I am flattered by the Giants interest in me as their manager but I am remaining at Tenn.
No formal offer was made by the Giants . We had discussions but nothing more. '

[ScotchMIrish]

Sometimes the source for these anonymous leaks is the person himself or his agent just to get his name associated with a job and raise his profile.

Or as you said , the interest is real but his agent wants time to see if Tenn .will offer even a 'higher ' contract to retain him.
However, the Vols did make him the highest paid manager with $3M per year. Would Tenn. really want to go higher to retain him ?

Have you ever heard of anybody turning down a managerial job in MLB to coach in college?

What is unique in this case is that it is unprecedented that a MLB team would consider hiring a guy with NO minor league coaching experience.
Take Pat Murphy (Brewers ) He was at Notre Dame and Ariz. St for 15 years. He did have minor league gigs and then Craig Counsell (brewers at the time ) hired Murph (who was his college coach at Notre Dame ) to be his bench coach in Milw.
In Vitello's case, he has NONE of that background . His own dad was a baseball head coach guy .
maybe not a good analogy but Vitello right to pros from head college job is akin to Cincinnati Moeller HS football coach going from HS to be head coach at Notre Dame. Faust came to ND in 1981 ? and was out by 1985

I could see a coaching job of some kind but not a MLB manager job. Perhaps low minors managerial job. I strongly suspect he or his agent were behind this rumor.

No way he is accepting a low minors manager job. Do you know any of those that pay $3 Million per year ? That’s what he makes at U. If Tenn. I don’t think so.

You are correct unless his goal is managing in MLB in which case managing in the minors would be a stepping stone. If I was him I'd keep making $3 million a year. Tennessee's SEC record this season was 16-14. Overall 46-19. 65 game season for $3 million a year vs 162 in MLB.

16-14 conference record equates to MLB manager?

and you are correct in saying that in ALL past cases that managing in the minors would be a stepping stone. However, in this case Giants Buster Posey has reached out to Vitello to make him the first MLB manager without that stepping zone. So Posey has (for good or bad ) not had 'previous minor league coaching/ managing as a prerequisite for his hiring. Posey going 'outside the box' as they say .

Regarding Vitello's record. Yes, we do know his record was 16-14 this season . He also has won a national championship . So sure Posey is looking at his overall performance which you states as 46-19 .Winning 46 of 65 games is a 70% winning percentage. That is an outstanding winning % in baseball.
He will not be expected to win 70% in San Fran as nobody in MLB wins at that rate. In fact, name one manager in 2025 that won even 60% of the 162 games ..NADA Brewers Pat Murphy had the best record in baseball at .599 . Only 8 of 30 teams in the MLB won 90 or more games of the 162.
So think Posey is just fine with Vitello's record .
Vitello may be fine with staying at Tenn. We will know today or tomorrow most likely . All I am saying , it appears that Posey wants him and Vitello may just accept the challenge. As for his projected pay , I am sure he would get something north of $5.5 M per year (and I may be on low side ). He appears to be the type guy who 'loves a challenge' and from this report , he told Posey 'I am the guy who can beat the Dodgers'
in an interview with Posey. Talk can be cheap and certainly bragadocious . We do know that Posey's goal is to knock off LAD in their division.
Posey can swing and miss with Vitello certainly but it appears Posey is willing to take a shot with him . It's going out on a limb . Can Posey pull it off ? Remains to be seen.

It would be an interesting hire. I'm a Missouri fan and I don't attend many Missouri baseball games but I know Vitello used to be an assistant coach here. Recently both the head football coach and offensive coordinator were rumored to be in line for jobs elsewhere. I suspect in both cases they started the rumor themselves to leverage more money from Missouri.

I know exactly what you mean regarding the possibility that a coach (or thru an agent ) could try to leverage more $$$. However, in this case a couple things seem to be true. Reportedly , in Sept. Vitello was interviewed by Posey in Colorado when the Giants played a series there.
Posey's first choice was Nick Hundley , who Posey had close ties with , but Hundley has young kids and decided to stay put in front office of Rangers.
So apparently, Posey turned to Vitello as his 2nd choice now. If Vitello's reported comment in Posey interview , 'I can beat the Dodgers' is true then Posey is really rolling the dice here. Plus if Vitello turns down Posey because Vitello stays at U. T. , then Posey will really have egg on his face .
Vitello can certainly get a lucrative deal from Posey now that this all became public. Not a good spot negotiating wise if you are Buster.
As for if U.T. Athletic Director would give Vitello even more $$ to stay ( interesting question ), White made Vitello the highest paid head baseball coach just two years ago . Also I read that apparently White gave increased NIL money to the womens basketball team to get that program even stronger and some think Vitello may have been a bit irked that those added $$ didn't go to his program . Tenn. fanbase certainly wants Vitello to stay . So as they say 'stay tuned ' !

Who do you think leaked all those details? I doubt it was Posey. Several years ago two basketball coaches pulled the same hustle on Missouri. Mike Anderson and Matt Painter both leveraged more money from Arkansas and Purdue respectively by claiming interest in the Missouri job.

I think Vitello is trying to leverage more money from Tennessee. If he leaked the conversation with Posey he is probably crossed off the list. No GM wants an employee leaking private conversations.

[Talkin' Baseball]

Sometimes the source for these anonymous leaks is the person himself or his agent just to get his name associated with a job and raise his profile.

Or as you said , the interest is real but his agent wants time to see if Tenn .will offer even a 'higher ' contract to retain him.
However, the Vols did make him the highest paid manager with $3M per year. Would Tenn. really want to go higher to retain him ?

Have you ever heard of anybody turning down a managerial job in MLB to coach in college?

What is unique in this case is that it is unprecedented that a MLB team would consider hiring a guy with NO minor league coaching experience.
Take Pat Murphy (Brewers ) He was at Notre Dame and Ariz. St for 15 years. He did have minor league gigs and then Craig Counsell (brewers at the time ) hired Murph (who was his college coach at Notre Dame ) to be his bench coach in Milw.
In Vitello's case, he has NONE of that background . His own dad was a baseball head coach guy .
maybe not a good analogy but Vitello right to pros from head college job is akin to Cincinnati Moeller HS football coach going from HS to be head coach at Notre Dame. Faust came to ND in 1981 ? and was out by 1985

I could see a coaching job of some kind but not a MLB manager job. Perhaps low minors managerial job. I strongly suspect he or his agent were behind this rumor.

No way he is accepting a low minors manager job. Do you know any of those that pay $3 Million per year ? That’s what he makes at U. If Tenn. I don’t think so.

You are correct unless his goal is managing in MLB in which case managing in the minors would be a stepping stone. If I was him I'd keep making $3 million a year. Tennessee's SEC record this season was 16-14. Overall 46-19. 65 game season for $3 million a year vs 162 in MLB.

16-14 conference record equates to MLB manager?

and you are correct in saying that in ALL past cases that managing in the minors would be a stepping stone. However, in this case Giants Buster Posey has reached out to Vitello to make him the first MLB manager without that stepping zone. So Posey has (for good or bad ) not had 'previous minor league coaching/ managing as a prerequisite for his hiring. Posey going 'outside the box' as they say .

Regarding Vitello's record. Yes, we do know his record was 16-14 this season . He also has won a national championship . So sure Posey is looking at his overall performance which you states as 46-19 .Winning 46 of 65 games is a 70% winning percentage. That is an outstanding winning % in baseball.
He will not be expected to win 70% in San Fran as nobody in MLB wins at that rate. In fact, name one manager in 2025 that won even 60% of the 162 games ..NADA Brewers Pat Murphy had the best record in baseball at .599 . Only 8 of 30 teams in the MLB won 90 or more games of the 162.
So think Posey is just fine with Vitello's record .
Vitello may be fine with staying at Tenn. We will know today or tomorrow most likely . All I am saying , it appears that Posey wants him and Vitello may just accept the challenge. As for his projected pay , I am sure he would get something north of $5.5 M per year (and I may be on low side ). He appears to be the type guy who 'loves a challenge' and from this report , he told Posey 'I am the guy who can beat the Dodgers'
in an interview with Posey. Talk can be cheap and certainly bragadocious . We do know that Posey's goal is to knock off LAD in their division.
Posey can swing and miss with Vitello certainly but it appears Posey is willing to take a shot with him . It's going out on a limb . Can Posey pull it off ? Remains to be seen.

It would be an interesting hire. I'm a Missouri fan and I don't attend many Missouri baseball games but I know Vitello used to be an assistant coach here. Recently both the head football coach and offensive coordinator were rumored to be in line for jobs elsewhere. I suspect in both cases they started the rumor themselves to leverage more money from Missouri.

I know exactly what you mean regarding the possibility that a coach (or thru an agent ) could try to leverage more $$$. However, in this case a couple things seem to be true. Reportedly , in Sept. Vitello was interviewed by Posey in Colorado when the Giants played a series there.
Posey's first choice was Nick Hundley , who Posey had close ties with , but Hundley has young kids and decided to stay put in front office of Rangers.
So apparently, Posey turned to Vitello as his 2nd choice now. If Vitello's reported comment in Posey interview , 'I can beat the Dodgers' is true then Posey is really rolling the dice here. Plus if Vitello turns down Posey because Vitello stays at U. T. , then Posey will really have egg on his face .
Vitello can certainly get a lucrative deal from Posey now that this all became public. Not a good spot negotiating wise if you are Buster.
As for if U.T. Athletic Director would give Vitello even more $$ to stay ( interesting question ), White made Vitello the highest paid head baseball coach just two years ago . Also I read that apparently White gave increased NIL money to the womens basketball team to get that program even stronger and some think Vitello may have been a bit irked that those added $$ didn't go to his program . Tenn. fanbase certainly wants Vitello to stay . So as they say 'stay tuned ' !

Who do you think leaked all those details? I doubt it was Posey. Several years ago two basketball coaches pulled the same hustle on Missouri. Mike Anderson and Matt Painter both leveraged more money from Arkansas and Purdue respectively by claiming interest in the Missouri job.

I think Vitello is trying to leverage more money from Tennessee. If he leaked the conversation with Posey he is probably crossed off the list. No GM wants an employee leaking private conversations.

I obviously don't know and am guessing, but this is what I believe also. We'll see.

[ramfandan]

Sometimes the source for these anonymous leaks is the person himself or his agent just to get his name associated with a job and raise his profile.

Or as you said , the interest is real but his agent wants time to see if Tenn .will offer even a 'higher ' contract to retain him.
However, the Vols did make him the highest paid manager with $3M per year. Would Tenn. really want to go higher to retain him ?

Have you ever heard of anybody turning down a managerial job in MLB to coach in college?

What is unique in this case is that it is unprecedented that a MLB team would consider hiring a guy with NO minor league coaching experience.
Take Pat Murphy (Brewers ) He was at Notre Dame and Ariz. St for 15 years. He did have minor league gigs and then Craig Counsell (brewers at the time ) hired Murph (who was his college coach at Notre Dame ) to be his bench coach in Milw.
In Vitello's case, he has NONE of that background . His own dad was a baseball head coach guy .
maybe not a good analogy but Vitello right to pros from head college job is akin to Cincinnati Moeller HS football coach going from HS to be head coach at Notre Dame. Faust came to ND in 1981 ? and was out by 1985

I could see a coaching job of some kind but not a MLB manager job. Perhaps low minors managerial job. I strongly suspect he or his agent were behind this rumor.

No way he is accepting a low minors manager job. Do you know any of those that pay $3 Million per year ? That’s what he makes at U. If Tenn. I don’t think so.

You are correct unless his goal is managing in MLB in which case managing in the minors would be a stepping stone. If I was him I'd keep making $3 million a year. Tennessee's SEC record this season was 16-14. Overall 46-19. 65 game season for $3 million a year vs 162 in MLB.

16-14 conference record equates to MLB manager?

and you are correct in saying that in ALL past cases that managing in the minors would be a stepping stone. However, in this case Giants Buster Posey has reached out to Vitello to make him the first MLB manager without that stepping zone. So Posey has (for good or bad ) not had 'previous minor league coaching/ managing as a prerequisite for his hiring. Posey going 'outside the box' as they say .

Regarding Vitello's record. Yes, we do know his record was 16-14 this season . He also has won a national championship . So sure Posey is looking at his overall performance which you states as 46-19 .Winning 46 of 65 games is a 70% winning percentage. That is an outstanding winning % in baseball.
He will not be expected to win 70% in San Fran as nobody in MLB wins at that rate. In fact, name one manager in 2025 that won even 60% of the 162 games ..NADA Brewers Pat Murphy had the best record in baseball at .599 . Only 8 of 30 teams in the MLB won 90 or more games of the 162.
So think Posey is just fine with Vitello's record .
Vitello may be fine with staying at Tenn. We will know today or tomorrow most likely . All I am saying , it appears that Posey wants him and Vitello may just accept the challenge. As for his projected pay , I am sure he would get something north of $5.5 M per year (and I may be on low side ). He appears to be the type guy who 'loves a challenge' and from this report , he told Posey 'I am the guy who can beat the Dodgers'
in an interview with Posey. Talk can be cheap and certainly bragadocious . We do know that Posey's goal is to knock off LAD in their division.
Posey can swing and miss with Vitello certainly but it appears Posey is willing to take a shot with him . It's going out on a limb . Can Posey pull it off ? Remains to be seen.

It would be an interesting hire. I'm a Missouri fan and I don't attend many Missouri baseball games but I know Vitello used to be an assistant coach here. Recently both the head football coach and offensive coordinator were rumored to be in line for jobs elsewhere. I suspect in both cases they started the rumor themselves to leverage more money from Missouri.

I know exactly what you mean regarding the possibility that a coach (or thru an agent ) could try to leverage more $$$. However, in this case a couple things seem to be true. Reportedly , in Sept. Vitello was interviewed by Posey in Colorado when the Giants played a series there.
Posey's first choice was Nick Hundley , who Posey had close ties with , but Hundley has young kids and decided to stay put in front office of Rangers.
So apparently, Posey turned to Vitello as his 2nd choice now. If Vitello's reported comment in Posey interview , 'I can beat the Dodgers' is true then Posey is really rolling the dice here. Plus if Vitello turns down Posey because Vitello stays at U. T. , then Posey will really have egg on his face .
Vitello can certainly get a lucrative deal from Posey now that this all became public. Not a good spot negotiating wise if you are Buster.
As for if U.T. Athletic Director would give Vitello even more $$ to stay ( interesting question ), White made Vitello the highest paid head baseball coach just two years ago . Also I read that apparently White gave increased NIL money to the womens basketball team to get that program even stronger and some think Vitello may have been a bit irked that those added $$ didn't go to his program . Tenn. fanbase certainly wants Vitello to stay . So as they say 'stay tuned ' !

Who do you think leaked all those details? I doubt it was Posey. Several years ago two basketball coaches pulled the same hustle on Missouri. Mike Anderson and Matt Painter both leveraged more money from Arkansas and Purdue respectively by claiming interest in the Missouri job.

I think Vitello is trying to leverage more money from Tennessee. If he leaked the conversation with Posey he is probably crossed off the list. No GM wants an employee leaking private conversations.

As for who leaked what ? None of us know but we do know that the story was brought to light by Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic with two other reporters. Rosenthal is considered a very connected baseball insider . It appeared the story was citing info from within the Giants organization as to their search for a new manager.

There is a saying 'don't believe everything you read ' .. in this google AI on the matter .. this story says 'multiple sources are saying Giants are heavily pursuing ' Vitello (not the other way around ) . In fact, it says Vitello is 'torn' about leaving Tenn. Those skeptical may say well of course he is saying that and they could be right .
Here is what is out there right now ... copy and paste it so not my opinion just what is being printed

Yes, the San Francisco Giants are heavily pursuing Tony Vitello to become their next manager. Multiple major news outlets began reporting on October 18, 2025, that the Giants were closing in on hiring the Tennessee baseball coach, with a resolution expected soon.
Key details on the pursuit:
A "monumental" hire: The move would be a historic and nearly unprecedented leap, as Vitello has no prior professional coaching or playing experience. He would be the first to jump directly from a college program to an MLB managerial position.
Driven by Buster Posey: The unconventional pursuit is being led by Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey, who took the role in the fall of 2024. Posey is known for his bold, outside-the-box approach and appears to favor Vitello's dynamic personality and player development skills.
Vitello is torn: The successful Tennessee coach, who led the Volunteers to their first national championship in 2024, is reportedly "torn" about leaving the program he built. While he has not confirmed anything publicly, he has not issued a denial either.
Financial negotiations: Vitello is the highest-paid coach in college baseball, earning over $3 million annually. Sources indicate he is negotiating for one of the top managerial salaries in the MLB, which would account for his high college salary, the Bay Area's cost of living, and the high-risk, high-reward nature of the move.
Why Vitello?: In addition to his on-field success and knack for developing talent, Vitello has already worked with players the Giants have acquired. The team drafted Tennessee's Gavin Kilen in 2025 and traded for former Volunteers Drew Gilbert and Blade Tidwell.
Potential announcement soon: A decision on whether Vitello will officially become the Giants' manager is expected within the next couple of days.
Sources: Vols' Vitello favorite to land Giants job
Oct 17, 2025 — Oct 18, 2025, 06:43 PM ET. Open Extended Reactions. University of Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello has emerged as...
favicon
ESPN

Giants reportedly targeting Tennessee's Vitello as next manager
Oct 17, 2025 — Giants reportedly targeting Tennessee's Vitello as next manager * The Giants are eyeing Tennessee Volunteers head coac...
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MLB.com


Yes, the San Francisco Giants are heavily pursuing Tony Vitello to become their next manager. Multiple major news outlets began reporting on October 18, 2025, that the Giants were closing in on hiring the Tennessee baseball coach, with a resolution expected soon.
Key details on the pursuit:
A "monumental" hire: The move would be a historic and nearly unprecedented leap, as Vitello has no prior professional coaching or playing experience. He would be the first to jump directly from a college program to an MLB managerial position.
Driven by Buster Posey: The unconventional pursuit is being led by Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey, who took the role in the fall of 2024. Posey is known for his bold, outside-the-box approach and appears to favor Vitello's dynamic personality and player development skills.
Vitello is torn: The successful Tennessee coach, who led the Volunteers to their first national championship in 2024, is reportedly "torn" about leaving the program he built. While he has not confirmed anything publicly, he has not issued a denial either.
Financial negotiations: Vitello is the highest-paid coach in college baseball, earning over $3 million annually. Sources indicate he is negotiating for one of the top managerial salaries in the MLB, which would account for his high college salary, the Bay Area's cost of living, and the high-risk, high-reward nature of the move.
Why Vitello?: In addition to his on-field success and knack for developing talent, Vitello has already worked with players the Giants have acquired. The team drafted Tennessee's Gavin Kilen in 2025 and traded for former Volunteers Drew Gilbert and Blade Tidwell.
Potential announcement soon: A decision on whether Vitello will officially become the Giants' manager is expected within the next couple of days.
Sources: Vols' Vitello favorite to land Giants job
Oct 17, 2025 — Oct 18, 2025, 06:43 PM ET. Open Extended Reactions. University of Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello has emerged as...
favicon
ESPN

Giants reportedly targeting Tennessee's Vitello as next manager
Oct 17, 2025 — Giants reportedly targeting Tennessee's Vitello as next manager * The Giants are eyeing Tennessee Volunteers head coac...
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MLB.com

Tennessee's Tony Vitello reportedly 'torn' over historic Giants ...
Oct 19, 2025 — The San Francisco Giants appear to be all in on Tony Vitello — a move that, if

[ScotchMIrish]

Sometimes the source for these anonymous leaks is the person himself or his agent just to get his name associated with a job and raise his profile.

Or as you said , the interest is real but his agent wants time to see if Tenn .will offer even a 'higher ' contract to retain him.
However, the Vols did make him the highest paid manager with $3M per year. Would Tenn. really want to go higher to retain him ?

Have you ever heard of anybody turning down a managerial job in MLB to coach in college?

What is unique in this case is that it is unprecedented that a MLB team would consider hiring a guy with NO minor league coaching experience.
Take Pat Murphy (Brewers ) He was at Notre Dame and Ariz. St for 15 years. He did have minor league gigs and then Craig Counsell (brewers at the time ) hired Murph (who was his college coach at Notre Dame ) to be his bench coach in Milw.
In Vitello's case, he has NONE of that background . His own dad was a baseball head coach guy .
maybe not a good analogy but Vitello right to pros from head college job is akin to Cincinnati Moeller HS football coach going from HS to be head coach at Notre Dame. Faust came to ND in 1981 ? and was out by 1985

I could see a coaching job of some kind but not a MLB manager job. Perhaps low minors managerial job. I strongly suspect he or his agent were behind this rumor.

No way he is accepting a low minors manager job. Do you know any of those that pay $3 Million per year ? That’s what he makes at U. If Tenn. I don’t think so.

You are correct unless his goal is managing in MLB in which case managing in the minors would be a stepping stone. If I was him I'd keep making $3 million a year. Tennessee's SEC record this season was 16-14. Overall 46-19. 65 game season for $3 million a year vs 162 in MLB.

16-14 conference record equates to MLB manager?

and you are correct in saying that in ALL past cases that managing in the minors would be a stepping stone. However, in this case Giants Buster Posey has reached out to Vitello to make him the first MLB manager without that stepping zone. So Posey has (for good or bad ) not had 'previous minor league coaching/ managing as a prerequisite for his hiring. Posey going 'outside the box' as they say .

Regarding Vitello's record. Yes, we do know his record was 16-14 this season . He also has won a national championship . So sure Posey is looking at his overall performance which you states as 46-19 .Winning 46 of 65 games is a 70% winning percentage. That is an outstanding winning % in baseball.
He will not be expected to win 70% in San Fran as nobody in MLB wins at that rate. In fact, name one manager in 2025 that won even 60% of the 162 games ..NADA Brewers Pat Murphy had the best record in baseball at .599 . Only 8 of 30 teams in the MLB won 90 or more games of the 162.
So think Posey is just fine with Vitello's record .
Vitello may be fine with staying at Tenn. We will know today or tomorrow most likely . All I am saying , it appears that Posey wants him and Vitello may just accept the challenge. As for his projected pay , I am sure he would get something north of $5.5 M per year (and I may be on low side ). He appears to be the type guy who 'loves a challenge' and from this report , he told Posey 'I am the guy who can beat the Dodgers'
in an interview with Posey. Talk can be cheap and certainly bragadocious . We do know that Posey's goal is to knock off LAD in their division.
Posey can swing and miss with Vitello certainly but it appears Posey is willing to take a shot with him . It's going out on a limb . Can Posey pull it off ? Remains to be seen.

It would be an interesting hire. I'm a Missouri fan and I don't attend many Missouri baseball games but I know Vitello used to be an assistant coach here. Recently both the head football coach and offensive coordinator were rumored to be in line for jobs elsewhere. I suspect in both cases they started the rumor themselves to leverage more money from Missouri.

I know exactly what you mean regarding the possibility that a coach (or thru an agent ) could try to leverage more $$$. However, in this case a couple things seem to be true. Reportedly , in Sept. Vitello was interviewed by Posey in Colorado when the Giants played a series there.
Posey's first choice was Nick Hundley , who Posey had close ties with , but Hundley has young kids and decided to stay put in front office of Rangers.
So apparently, Posey turned to Vitello as his 2nd choice now. If Vitello's reported comment in Posey interview , 'I can beat the Dodgers' is true then Posey is really rolling the dice here. Plus if Vitello turns down Posey because Vitello stays at U. T. , then Posey will really have egg on his face .
Vitello can certainly get a lucrative deal from Posey now that this all became public. Not a good spot negotiating wise if you are Buster.
As for if U.T. Athletic Director would give Vitello even more $$ to stay ( interesting question ), White made Vitello the highest paid head baseball coach just two years ago . Also I read that apparently White gave increased NIL money to the womens basketball team to get that program even stronger and some think Vitello may have been a bit irked that those added $$ didn't go to his program . Tenn. fanbase certainly wants Vitello to stay . So as they say 'stay tuned ' !

Who do you think leaked all those details? I doubt it was Posey. Several years ago two basketball coaches pulled the same hustle on Missouri. Mike Anderson and Matt Painter both leveraged more money from Arkansas and Purdue respectively by claiming interest in the Missouri job.

I think Vitello is trying to leverage more money from Tennessee. If he leaked the conversation with Posey he is probably crossed off the list. No GM wants an employee leaking private conversations.

As for who leaked what ? None of us know but we do know that the story was brought to light by Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic with two other reporters. Rosenthal is considered a very connected baseball insider . It appeared the story was citing info from within the Giants organization as to their search for a new manager.

There is a saying 'don't believe everything you read ' .. in this google AI on the matter .. this story says 'multiple sources are saying Giants are heavily pursuing ' Vitello (not the other way around ) . In fact, it says Vitello is 'torn' about leaving Tenn. Those skeptical may say well of course he is saying that and they could be right .
Here is what is out there right now ... copy and paste it so not my opinion just what is being printed

Yes, the San Francisco Giants are heavily pursuing Tony Vitello to become their next manager. Multiple major news outlets began reporting on October 18, 2025, that the Giants were closing in on hiring the Tennessee baseball coach, with a resolution expected soon.
Key details on the pursuit:
A "monumental" hire: The move would be a historic and nearly unprecedented leap, as Vitello has no prior professional coaching or playing experience. He would be the first to jump directly from a college program to an MLB managerial position.
Driven by Buster Posey: The unconventional pursuit is being led by Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey, who took the role in the fall of 2024. Posey is known for his bold, outside-the-box approach and appears to favor Vitello's dynamic personality and player development skills.
Vitello is torn: The successful Tennessee coach, who led the Volunteers to their first national championship in 2024, is reportedly "torn" about leaving the program he built. While he has not confirmed anything publicly, he has not issued a denial either.
Financial negotiations: Vitello is the highest-paid coach in college baseball, earning over $3 million annually. Sources indicate he is negotiating for one of the top managerial salaries in the MLB, which would account for his high college salary, the Bay Area's cost of living, and the high-risk, high-reward nature of the move.
Why Vitello?: In addition to his on-field success and knack for developing talent, Vitello has already worked with players the Giants have acquired. The team drafted Tennessee's Gavin Kilen in 2025 and traded for former Volunteers Drew Gilbert and Blade Tidwell.
Potential announcement soon: A decision on whether Vitello will officially become the Giants' manager is expected within the next couple of days.
Sources: Vols' Vitello favorite to land Giants job
Oct 17, 2025 — Oct 18, 2025, 06:43 PM ET. Open Extended Reactions. University of Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello has emerged as...
favicon
ESPN

Giants reportedly targeting Tennessee's Vitello as next manager
Oct 17, 2025 — Giants reportedly targeting Tennessee's Vitello as next manager * The Giants are eyeing Tennessee Volunteers head coac...
favicon
MLB.com


Yes, the San Francisco Giants are heavily pursuing Tony Vitello to become their next manager. Multiple major news outlets began reporting on October 18, 2025, that the Giants were closing in on hiring the Tennessee baseball coach, with a resolution expected soon.
Key details on the pursuit:
A "monumental" hire: The move would be a historic and nearly unprecedented leap, as Vitello has no prior professional coaching or playing experience. He would be the first to jump directly from a college program to an MLB managerial position.
Driven by Buster Posey: The unconventional pursuit is being led by Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey, who took the role in the fall of 2024. Posey is known for his bold, outside-the-box approach and appears to favor Vitello's dynamic personality and player development skills.
Vitello is torn: The successful Tennessee coach, who led the Volunteers to their first national championship in 2024, is reportedly "torn" about leaving the program he built. While he has not confirmed anything publicly, he has not issued a denial either.
Financial negotiations: Vitello is the highest-paid coach in college baseball, earning over $3 million annually. Sources indicate he is negotiating for one of the top managerial salaries in the MLB, which would account for his high college salary, the Bay Area's cost of living, and the high-risk, high-reward nature of the move.
Why Vitello?: In addition to his on-field success and knack for developing talent, Vitello has already worked with players the Giants have acquired. The team drafted Tennessee's Gavin Kilen in 2025 and traded for former Volunteers Drew Gilbert and Blade Tidwell.
Potential announcement soon: A decision on whether Vitello will officially become the Giants' manager is expected within the next couple of days.
Sources: Vols' Vitello favorite to land Giants job
Oct 17, 2025 — Oct 18, 2025, 06:43 PM ET. Open Extended Reactions. University of Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello has emerged as...
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Giants reportedly targeting Tennessee's Vitello as next manager
Oct 17, 2025 — Giants reportedly targeting Tennessee's Vitello as next manager * The Giants are eyeing Tennessee Volunteers head coac...
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Tennessee's Tony Vitello reportedly 'torn' over historic Giants ...
Oct 19, 2025 — The San Francisco Giants appear to be all in on Tony Vitello — a move that, if

The same story that gives details about the interview says he is torn about leaving Tennessee? You don't think the source was Vitello and/or his agent? Why would Posey leak that if he is interviewing multiple people? Were there leaks detailing every interview? I doubt that came from the Giants.