One of the more shocking coaching transitions in history appears to be on the verge of happening, as reports have come out from ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Jeff Passan that Tennessee head baseball coach Tony Vitello is finalizing a deal to become the next manager of the San Francisco Giants.

This would make Vitello, who has been the head man in Knoxville since 2018, the first manager in history to make the transition from college coaching to the big leagues without any prior MLB experience.

Outside of the historic nature of Vitello’s move, this is obviously a massive blow for the Volunteers’ baseball program, which will now have to replace arguably the greatest coach in program history.

During his time at Tennessee, Vitello transformed the Vols’ program into a national power, guiding the program to 2 regular season and SEC Tournament titles (2022, 2024), 5 straight NCAA regionals (2021-25), 3 NCAA Super Regionals and College World Series appearances (2021, 2023, 2024), and their first ever College World Series National Championship in 2024.

Vitello took over a struggling Volunteers program and transformed it into one of the best teams in the entire nation year in and year out. As such, his reported departure is naturally a massive shock for both fans and analysts alike, many of whom took to X to share their reactions to the news.

Here’s a look at what people are saying:

I do think Buster Posey deserves a lot of credit for hiring someone without any strong ties to the organization as their next manager. The #SFGiants have needed a fresher perspective for years.

— Jeff Young (@BaseballJeff1) October 22, 2025

-Hire Buster Posey to run baseball ops
-Trade for disgruntled star in June because why not
-Hire the first ever manager straight from college

I am so fascinated to see how this era of San Francisco Giants baseball transpires. Posey is operating unlike anything we’ve ever seen. https://t.co/doZxFaeuQn

— Max Mannis (@MaxMannis) October 22, 2025

In eight years, Tony Vitello revived a dormant program and brought a fan base together like no one ever has.

Heck of a job, 22. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/luEJeKjWzL

— Jake Nichols (@jnichols_2121) October 22, 2025

The fact it took Tony Vitello 3-4 days to make this decision tells you how tough it was for him to leave Tennessee. Most baseball lifers are jumping at that opportunity in a quick minute.

— zach ragan (@zachTNT) October 22, 2025

Tony Vitello, who was earning $3.3 million annually with salary and benefits, will be taking a paycut to manage the Giants in his new deal. The Giants also still owe fired Bob Melvin $4 million in 2026. https://t.co/XSzu5KZu0c

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 22, 2025

If Vitello leaves for MLB, it’s an incredible move for him

Turned @Vol_Baseball into a force & got them a ring

That it’s taken him so long to even decide goes to show you how special @Vol_Baseball has become

99% of people in that spot say yes before sentence is finished. https://t.co/JRLo7OkL39

— Peter Burns (@PeterBurnsESPN) October 22, 2025

Boom or bust pick. No MLB experience. He’s going to get in Devers’ face? Yeah, right. I’m hopeful he’s a good pick, but it’s based on nothing. We just have to have Faith in Buster. https://t.co/3TIhxZWqHB

— Larry Krueger (@sportslarryk) October 22, 2025

Jacob Moss