Sources: Tennessee's Vitello finalizing deal to be Giants manager - ESPN

Tennessee coach Tony Vitello is finalizing a deal to become the next manager of the San Francisco Giants, sources tell ESPN, marking the first time a big league team has plucked a manager directly from a college program without any experience as a professional coach, sources told ESPN.

Following days of negotiations in which Vitello considered staying at Tennessee, where he won the Men's College World Series in 2024, a deal is on the verge of being finalized between the two sides. He will replace Bob Melvin, who was fired Sept. 29 following an 81-81 season, the Giants' fourth consecutive year without a playoff berth.

While the Giants have yet to officially announce the deal, Tennessee athletic director Danny White issued a statement Wednesday acknowledging Vitello's historic move.

«Congratulations to Tony on this incredible opportunity to lead the San Francisco Giants,» White wrote. «We wish him the best as he embarks on this new chapter in his career and thank him for everything he has done to transform Tennessee baseball into a championship program.»

Vitello, 47, was regarded as one of the best coaches in college baseball, a high-energy recruiting wizard who built talent-laden teams and turned around a program that had toiled in mediocrity for decades. He emerged as the Giants' main target after former San Francisco catcher Nick Hundley withdrew from consideration.

By making Vitello his first managerial hire, San Francisco president of baseball operations Buster Posey is banking on the success at Tennessee translating to the major leagues. Chosen over former Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde and two other former big league catchers interviewed by the Giants — Kurt Suzuki and Vance Wilson — Vitello distinguished