**Josh Elander Named New Head Coach of Tennessee Baseball Following Tony Vitello’s Departure**

Tennessee baseball has moved swiftly to appoint a new head coach after Tony Vitello left the program to join the San Francisco Giants. While former player Curt Schilling showed interest in the position, the University of Tennessee has officially announced Josh Elander as the Volunteers’ 26th baseball head coach.

Elander, who has been a key part of the Volunteers’ coaching staff for the past nine seasons, previously served as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator. His familiarity with the program and proven commitment played a significant role in the university’s decision.

Athletic Director Danny White expressed his confidence in Elander’s leadership, stating, “From the outset of this national search, Josh emerged as the undeniable top choice. His relentless commitment has helped transform Tennessee baseball into a powerhouse, and we are proud to have him as our next head coach on Rocky Top. His influence inspires excellence in every aspect of our program, and we look forward to continuing our quest for championships on the diamond under Josh’s guidance!”

Elander shared his excitement about the new role, saying, “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity here on Rocky Top. I’m really happy for our players to continue building on what we’ve already built here. The hunt continues, and we’re still excited. Love this place and these people. So thankful for the best that’s yet to come.”

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**Tony Vitello’s Impact and Future Plans**

Tony Vitello’s departure marks the end of a significant era for Tennessee baseball. As he embarks on his new journey as a first-time Major League Baseball manager with the San Francisco Giants, Vitello reflected on his connection to the Volunteers.

“First off, just people saying bye and everything like that, I’m not going anywhere,” Vitello remarked. “So real estate people quit texting me. I’ll figure out what I want to do. But whether it’s football games, basketball games, supporting these guys in some form or fashion, I’m not going anywhere. I don’t know if this will get me in trouble, but in my mind, a goal is to come back to Tennessee in some capacity.”

During his tenure, Vitello made a lasting impact on the program, helping to elevate the Volunteers into a competitive force. Tennessee finished an impressive 46-19 last season and is now poised to build on that success under Elander’s guidance.

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With a seamless transition in leadership, Tennessee baseball looks forward to an exciting future as the program continues its pursuit of championships under new head coach Josh Elander.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-sports/tennessee-baseball-news-who-will-replace-tony-vitello-as-volunteers-head-coach