Tony Vitello heads to San Francisco Giants as team manager
Tony Vitello led Tennessee baseball to win the 2024 College World Series, the program’s first national title.
Former Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello is headed to where he has sent a lot of his former players: MLB.
The San Francisco Giants hired Vitello on Wednesday, Oct. 22, to replace former manager Bob Melvin. Vitello leaves the Volunteers program just two seasons removed from a College World Series national championship in 2024.
Vitello was among the highest-paid college baseball managers at the time of his departure, but he will likely need to take a pay cut in the big leagues as a first-time MLB manager. In addition, Vitello will also be responsible for a buyout of his contract with Tennessee baseball.
While the move to the big leagues will be a brand-new opportunity and a historic move for one of the best college baseball coaches, it doesn’t come without a cost.
Here’s what you need to know about Vitello’s buyout with Tennessee:
Tony Vitello buyout at Tennessee baseball
According to an amended copy of Vitello’s contract obtained by the USA TODAY Network, Tennessee is owed $3 million by Vitello or a third party on his behalf.
It would have dropped to $2 million on July 1, 2026. Regardless, the payout must be made to the university within 45 days of the coach’s termination date.