Tony Vitello invokes Lane Kiffin while discussing his decision to leave Tennessee for the San Francisco Giants
Tony Vitello left Tennessee this week to become the new manager of the San Francisco Giants.
Former Tennessee Vols head coach Tony Vitello (man, that’s strange to type) spoke to some local Knoxville media outlets — the outlets that covered UT baseball in person regularly over the last eight years — about his decision to leave Rocky Top to become the San Francisco Giants’ new manager.
Vitello’s lengthy statement and Q&A can be read in full at VolQuest.
During Vitello’s time at Tennessee, he developed a reputation for being incredibly candid, honest, and forthcoming. And his “exit interview” with local media certainly reflects that.
Tony Vitello mentions Lane Kiffin as he leaves Tennessee for San Francisco
One part of Vitello’s interview that stood out (and there was plenty that did) was a funny reference to former Vols head coach Lane Kiffin’s decision to leave Tennessee for USC in early 2010.
“I’ve always tried to be a good teammate, but I feel like I made a selfish decision that was one I needed to make,” said Vitello. “It’s the right decision, and I just hope it doesn’t give me Lane Kiffin status around here, because I feel like I’m a VFL. I think if someone truly invests in being a VFL for any amount of time, they’re just that — a Vol For Life. That’s what I am in my mind.”
I don’t think there’s any doubt about how much Tennessee means to Vitello.
Vitello was a fixture at major Tennessee athletic events over the last eight years. He was there for football games and basketball games; he took joy in seeing the Volunteers find success in all sports on campus. Vitello grew up in Missouri, but I’m pretty sure that guy bleeds orange now. And I don’t think that will ever not be the case, regardless of what happens with Vitello’s career in the future.
By the way, the funny thing about Vitello mentioning Kiffin is that it’s clear even 15 years later that the 14 months Lane spent at Tennessee made a massive impact on him in his life.
Tennessee, man. It just does something special to people.
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Former Tennessee Vols outfielder Drew Gilbert will be reunited with former UT baseball coach Tony Vitello with the San Francisco Giants
