Tony Vitello Attends Tennessee Practice Amid Giants Manager Rumors
Image: Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
By Aidan Sidoti
We are officially on Tony Vitello watch in Knoxville.
The legendary Tennessee baseball coach was spotted on campus Monday afternoon, preparing the Vols for an intrasquad scrimmage, as rumors circulate about his potential jump to MLB.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported Saturday that “the Giants are closing in on hiring” Vitello as their next manager, a move that would make history as the most high-profile jump from college baseball to the big leagues.
Despite the speculation, Vitello was present at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, as confirmed by Eric Cain of VolQuest.
Since taking over after the 2017 season, he’s transformed the program into a national powerhouse.
In seven seasons, Vitello has compiled a 341-131 record, three College World Series appearances, reached five Super Regionals, and delivered the school’s first National Championship in 2024.
His player development track record is equally as impressive, having produced ten first-round draft picks during his tenure on Rocky Top.
As of Monday afternoon, Vitello remains in Knoxville, running practice and preparing for the 2026 season.
But with MLB interest intensifying, the Vols, and their fans, could be bracing for a seismic shift.
