KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — It's time to say goodbye to one of the leading figures in Tennessee sports.

The San Francisco Giants announced that it is finalizing a deal to make Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello the Giants' new manager. This makes Vitello, 47, the first person to ever go from a college coach to a Major League manager without professional experience. The Giants explained that the team already has ties to the Volunteers, with some of its players being drafted from Tennessee. Vitello replaces Bob Melvin, who was dismissed in September.

"Prior to Vitello's arrival at Tennessee, the Volunteers had gone more than a decade without an appearance in the NCAA Tournament," the Giants said. "Vitello has helped turn the program around, culminating with its first national championship

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