KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The Tony Vitello era of Tennessee baseball has come to an end, according to sources at the University of Tennessee confirmed to WVLT Sports.

After eight seasons as Tennessee’s head coach, Vitello is set to become the manager of Major League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants, marking an unprecedented move in baseball history.

The 47-year-old Vitello becomes the first college coach to immediately become a manager without any prior professional experience.

Tennessee experienced a baseball resurgence under the Missouri-native. Vitello posted a 341-131 record, including a 125-85 mark in SEC play.

In seven full seasons, Vitello’s teams won 40 or more games six times, including a 60-win season in 2024, which culminated in the program’s first national championship.

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