Reports were released sharing the news that Tony Vitello could be on his way to San Francisco to be the new skipper of the Giants.
The jump to the MLB comes as a surprise to many Tennessee fans, who thought Vitello would not leave for professional baseball after building a powerhouse on Rocky Top.
While the Vitello news struck Vol Nation and quickly made its way throughout social media, ESPN's Jeff Passan shared that there has been no decision by the San Francisco Giants or Vitello, but there is an expected decision coming within the next 24 to 72 hours, setting the stage for a big decision.
The decision on whether Tennessee coach Tony Vitello will be the next manager of the San Francisco Giants is expected to come in the next 24 to 72 hours, sources tell me and @PeteThamel. Vitello has emerged as the top target of the Giants, but the sides have yet to reach a deal.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 18, 2025
This comes after reports were released that Vitello addressed the team about the rumors, but didn't tell the team he is leaving. I'm sure this meeting cleared up any confusion as he attempted to get ahead of rumors, reports, and a possible exit from the program.
Vitello also told Knox News that "nothing is done" with the Giants, despite reports that he will be their next skipper.
The decision could change the landscape of college baseball as one of the best coaches in the country moves up to Major League Baseball. It could spark a coaching carousel, leaving Tennessee to pick off a Power Four coach and jobs to open as a result.
This does confirm that there have been conversations, meetings, and interviews between Vitello and the Giants, but he's not leaving Rocky Top quite yet.
Regardless, there has been no decision, and as of right now, Vitello is expected to return to Knoxville for 2026, although that could change by early next week.