Tony Vitello clarifies comments, says ‘it might’ve changed how things were left’
Like Frank Costello, all Tony Vitello is looking for is the rat.
The former Tennessee Baseball coach clarified his comments from yesterday, which raised eyebrows in San Francisco and in Knoxville. He voiced his frustrations over not knowing who originally reported his link to the San Francisco Giants four days before he allegedly made the decision.
“I don’t know who told them,” Vitello said on Monday. “I wish I did. It might have changed the course of history if I had known who did, to be honest with you.”
Tony Vitello began his Monday media availability by asking reporters when they heard he was taking the Giants job. He wanted to clear things up about his departure from Tennessee. #SFGiants pic.twitter.com/AanrH7hOIn
— Matt Lively (@mattblively) February 16, 2026
This caused Tennessee faithful to wonder whether someone from the Giants intentionally leaked the report to put unwanted pressure on Vitello, who said that he didn’t want to distract the coaches or players with the drama before he had even made the decision.
“I did a really damn good job at keeping that away from our team, our recruiting, and it was not a distraction,” Vitello said. “And then all of a sudden, in the middle of practice, I see our first and third base coach freaking out, and they freaked out on me, too. And for no reason, because at that point, nothing was going to happen. But somebody decided that it was going to happen, and then the whole world started spinning real, real quick. And I had to address the team.”
However, despite many theories following the original video from CBS Sports’ Matt Liveley, Vitello was asked this morning about what he meant when he said it might’ve “changed the course of history.”
“It has no real impact on the opportunity that was presented to me, and it wouldn’t have changed what Buster (Posey) and I agreed and joined to do,” Vitello said Tuesday morning.”
It might not have changed the ultimate decision, but Vitello believes it could have changed “how things were left.”
Tony Vitello was asked about yesterday's comments.
— Matt Lively (@mattblively) February 17, 2026
Said no one from the Giants addressed it with him & was just stating facts. He talked about the "change the course of history" comment and how that nothing would've changed b/t him and Posey.
(Apologies for some bad audio) pic.twitter.com/JwegaaooZk
“I was just stating the fact,” Vitello said. “If somebody tweets out or says something that affects your life significantly… Then I’m not gonna be happy about it. Just like I’d want our players to defend themselves, that's what I would do, buts its hard to defend yourself when it's anonymous.”
There is still no clarification on where the original tip came from in October 2025.
“The facts of the case were what I just said, and anybody else would react the exact same way… It was less than ideal circumstances.”