The biggest reason why it seems like Tennessee’s Tony Vitello isn’t in a hurry to say he’s not leaving the Vols for MLB
Tennessee Vols baseball coach Tony Vitello’s name has been connected to a couple of MLB managerial openings over the last week. The Athletic mentioned Vitello as a potential option for the San Francisco Giants and Atlanta Braves jobs last week. It’s worth noting that Vitello has never played or coached at the MLB or minor […]
Tennessee Vols baseball coach Tony Vitello’s name has been connected to a couple of MLB managerial openings over the last week.
The Athletic mentioned Vitello as a potential option for the San Francisco Giants and Atlanta Braves jobs last week.
It’s worth noting that Vitello has never played or coached at the MLB or minor league level.
Over the weekend, Vitello finally addressed the rumors that he could leave Tennessee for an MLB job.
Vitello gave the Knoxville News Sentinel’s Mike Wilson a classic non-denial when asked about the rumors.
“It will eventually get to you,” said Vitello to the Knoxville News Sentinel of his name being kicked around as an option for multiple MLB jobs. “You hear it and it’s flattering. Basically, it is a compliment to our support staff and our players…That is what I consider it — a compliment.”
According to Wilson, Vitello “leaves any discussion around jobs to his agent, but is aware he has been tabbed a candidate for the jobs due to social media”.
Why won’t Tony Vitello just say that he’s not leaving Tennessee?
Vitello could’ve ended the speculation about him leaving Tennessee for the big leagues by simply saying he’s not going anywhere.
Instead, the non-denial means that questions about Vitello’s status at Tennessee will linger until the open managerial jobs in MLB are filled.
Ultimately, I think Vitello will be Tennessee’s head coach in 2026. I just don’t think it makes sense to hire a college coach with zero big league experience to manage an MLB roster. It would be an unprecedented move.
But at the same time, you never know what could happen. Maybe a team makes Vitello an offer he can’t refuse. In that case, he doesn’t gain anything by revealing his true feelings right now on the MLB speculation. There’s no reason to paint himself into a corner by committing to anything publicly right now.
That’s not the biggest reason, though, why I think Vitello hasn’t silenced the noise.
VolQuest’s Brent Hubbs said on 104.5 The Zone last week that he doesn’t think Vitello “minds his name being out there”.
That’s probably because Vitello’s name being out there in regards to an MLB job is free promotion for Tennessee baseball. It’s not like the Vols need much help on the recruiting trail these days, but stuff like this certainly doesn’t hurt. Vitello is a national champion — he’s never going to put it on cruise control. Vitello is going to look for every edge he can find. And having his name connected to open MLB jobs is an edge for Tennessee when it comes to recruiting (especially when it comes to the transfer portal).
We’ll see if Vitello goes anywhere. I don’t think he’s looking to leave Rocky Top, and I don’t think he’ll actually be offered a manger’s job (again, it would be unprecedented). Vitello, however, is wise to make the most of having his name in headlines in October.
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