Tennessee Baseball Coach Search: Danny White Open to Interim Frank Anderson for 2026 Season

The University of Tennessee is facing an unexpected coaching vacancy. Head baseball coach Tony Vitello has accepted an offer to become the new manager of the San Francisco Giants. This shocking move was confirmed by the university on Wednesday.

Athletic Director Danny White addressed the media to discuss the sudden transition. He announced that pitching coach Frank Anderson will serve as the interim head coach. White did not commit to a timeline for hiring a permanent replacement.

Unprecedented Timing for Coaching Change

Danny White acknowledged the unusual nature of this situation. He stated he is not putting himself “in a box” regarding the hiring process. This late-year change is rare in college baseball, complicating the search.

According to Reuters, White is carefully weighing all options. He has not ruled out Anderson remaining as the interim for the entire 2026 season. This flexibility suggests a thorough search is prioritized over a rushed decision.

Frank Anderson’s Background and Program Legacy

Frank Anderson brings significant head coaching experience to the interim role. He previously led the Oklahoma State program from 2004 to 2012. During his tenure, he compiled a 329-208 record with the Cowboys.

Anderson then served as an assistant coach at Houston before joining Vitello’s staff at Tennessee in 2017. His appointment as interim was notable, as he was chosen over associate head coach Josh Elander. This decision initially surprised some fans and followers of the program.

Tony Vitello’s Historic Run with the Volunteers

Replacing Vitello presents a monumental challenge for the Tennessee athletic department. In his eight seasons, he transformed the Volunteers into a national powerhouse. The program secured its first-ever College World Series championship in 2024.

Under his leadership, the Vols made three trips to Omaha. They also captured two SEC regular-season titles and one SEC Tournament championship. Vitello finished his Tennessee career with an impressive 341-131 overall record.

The move to the Major Leagues is highly unusual for a sitting college coach. Vitello has no prior MLB coaching experience, making his hiring a historic event. This adds to the unpredictable nature of Tennessee’s current search.

The Tennessee baseball coach search is now the top story in college sports. Danny White’s next move will be closely watched as the 2026 season approaches. The program’s future success hinges on this critical decision.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Frank Anderson?

Frank Anderson is the longtime pitching coach for the Tennessee Volunteers. He was previously the head coach at Oklahoma State for nine seasons, achieving significant success there.

Why did Tony Vitello leave Tennessee?

Tony Vitello accepted an offer to become the manager of the San Francisco Giants. This is a rare direct jump from a college head coaching position to an MLB manager role.

When does the 2026 college baseball season start?

The 2026 NCAA baseball season is scheduled to begin in late February. Teams will start their official practices and non-conference games at that time.

What was Tony Vitello’s record at Tennessee?

Vitello finished his tenure with a 341-131 overall record. He led the team to a 125-85 mark in Southeastern Conference play over eight seasons.

Who are potential candidates for the full-time job?

Athletic Director Danny White has not named any specific candidates. The search is expected to be wide-ranging due to the program’s elite status and the unusual timing of the vacancy.

Trusted Sources

Associated Press, ESPN, Knoxville News Sentinel, Reuters