Former Tennessee players make it clear who they want to lead the Vols’ baseball program after Tony Vitello’s departure
A group of notable VFLs think the choice is clear for Danny White.
The news of Tony Vitello leaving the Tennessee baseball program for the San Francisco Giants’ managerial position was a blow to the university and the Vols fanbase, sending a residual shockwave across the college baseball landscape.
But, despite the monumental loss, the program must turn its attention forward and find the next person who will lead what should be a talented team in 2026 and onward. Athletic director Danny White said at his press conference Wednesday that he will be conducting a national search for the job.
That being said, a number of notable former Tennessee players have a name they think should unquestionably be the next head coach of the program.
Several former players are calling for Josh Elander to take over as Tennessee’s new head coach
Elander got a wave of support from a number of notable players, including Christian Moore, Hunter Ensley, Drew Beam, Camden Sewell, and JP Arencibia.
It’s understandable Moore, Ensley, Beam, and Sewell would go to bat for their guy. They obviously know and respect him well and understand the importance he’s had in Tennessee’s run. But Arencibia’s call for his hire is telling. Arencibia was on the 2005 Tennessee team that reached the College World Series.
And their point is well taken. Elander came to Tennessee with Vitello in 2017 when he was hired for the job. He’s been beside Vitello for the entire run through five Super Regional appearances, three College World Series trips, and the national championship over the last five years.
While he hasn’t had an emotions-on-his-sleeve demeanor as much as Vitello, he’s shown emotion and fire from the dugout over the years as well. He’s also held the important position of recruiting coordinator. So, if Tennessee wants to keep the roster together and the recruiting class as intact as possible, Elander seems to have the best chance of doing that.
This will be a crucial couple of weeks for the future of the Tennessee Vols program. A vocal group thinks the move is obvious, and by the looks of social media, many fans agree. We’ll find out soon enough if White does.