The San Francisco Giants have hired Tennessee Volunteers coach Tony Vitello as manager for his first pro coaching job.

San Francisco announced the move Wednesday, an unprecedented gamble by president of baseball operations Buster Posey on a coach with no pro experience. The 47-year-old Vitello is making the jump after spending his entire career at the college level.

“Tony is one of the brightest, most innovative and most respected coaches in college baseball today,” Posey said. “Throughout our search, Tony’s leadership, competitiveness and commitment to developing players stood out.”

Posey said the Giants look forward to the energy and direction Vitello brings with his passion for baseball aligning with the club’s values.

“I’m incredibly honored and grateful for this opportunity,” Vi

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