Things are about to change in a major way for Tennessee baseball now that head coach Tony Vitello has made history. Vitello is off to Major League Baseball, officially accepting the job to take over as the new manager for the San Francisco Giants. It's a huge loss for the university as a whole.
The search will immediately begin for a replacement, with plenty of names being tossed out as potential candidates. With that said, is the perfect hire already inside of the clubhouse? That's what plenty of people think when it comes to Josh Elander.
Danny White slams the Tennessee-Tony Vitello rumors that have spread like wildfire
The Tennessee associate head coach has been with the program since August of 2017 and he's been a key part of the staff that has helped the Vols have so much success, of course including winning the 2024 College Baseball World Series title. AD Danny White said Elander will be considered, but he needs to take things further than that. He needs to show strong belief in him and give him the job ASAP.
Tennessee Athletic Director Danny White tells the media that he wants Josh Elander to focus on his Head Coaching candidacy and prepare for an interview.
— Noah Bieniek (@NoahB77_) October 22, 2025
The Volunteers have named Pitching Coach Frank Anderson as their Interim, he has prior college head coaching experience. pic.twitter.com/yMIE4r1f6u
Tennessee AD Danny White confirmed Josh Elander is a candidate to replace Tony Vitello
Frank Anderson was named the interim head coach, which confused a lot of people, especially since Elander has been Vitello's No. 2. However, White explained there was a good reason for that decision and it wasn't a slight at Elander in any way, shape or form.
"Combination of factors," White said on Anderson being named the interim HC. "Frank's obviously been a head coach, but probably more important as quickly as I'd like to move, I'd like Josh to be able to focus on his candidacy and he's kind of in the middle of all this too."
As White also noted, Elander has been working overtime of late with recruiting too, so he didn't want too much on his plate as he preps for what could prove to be a life-changing interview. Other names being floated around include Curt Schilling (yes we're not kidding), Mark Wasikowski, Rob Vaughn and others.
While White may look to bring in someone with head coaching experience, former players, parents and fans are calling for Elander to be given the job all over social media. He has meant a ton to the program too and the current players love him, while the incoming high school stars and portal playmakers have a ton of respect for him too.
No one wants to see anyone in Knoxville transfer following the Vitello news. Keeping Elander around and giving him the job will help in terms of continuity and keeping this team together for what could prove to be an unforgettable 2026 campaign. Make the call, Danny. It's right in front of you.