University of Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello has emerged as a frontrunner for the San Francisco Giants' managerial job, and a resolution on a potential deal is expected in the next 24 to 72 hours, sources told ESPN, confirming multiple reports.

Should the sides agree on a contract, Vitello would become the first manager in major league history to jump directly from a college program to the big leagues without experience in a professional organization.

Vitello, 47, led Tennessee to a College World Series title in 2024 and is regarded as one of the best coaches in college baseball. He would replace Bob Melvin, who was fired Sept. 29 following an 81-81 season, the Giants' fourth consecutive season without a playoff berth.

San Francisco president of baseball operations Buster Posey

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