The University of Tennessee has swiftly appointed Josh Elander as the new head baseball coach, concluding a brief search following the departure of Tony Vitello to the San Francisco Giants in Major League Baseball. The announcement was made on Saturday, shortly after Vitello’s exit was revealed on Wednesday.
Athletic director Danny White described Elander as the “undeniable” choice to lead the Volunteers. “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,” White stated.
Elander has a notable history with the Volunteers, having spent the past eight seasons in various roles. He began as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator in 2018, later being promoted to associate head coach after the 2022 season. In his capacity, he has worked closely with hitters and catchers, also serving as the third-base coach.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity here on Rocky Top,” Elander expressed. “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.”
Under Elander’s mentorship, the Volunteers have achieved significant success. The team has accumulated a record of 341-131 and made three appearances at the College World Series since 2019, culminating in a championship win in 2024, marking the first national title in baseball for the program.
Tennessee’s impressive track record also includes six NCAA tournament berths in the last eight seasons, five trips to the Super Regionals, two Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular-season titles, and two SEC tournament titles, with the latest victory occurring in 2024.
As Elander steps into his new role, there is a palpable sense of optimism regarding the future of Tennessee baseball, which has solidified its status as a formidable force in collegiate athletics. The transition from Vitello to Elander marks a new chapter for the program, and fans are eager to see how the upcoming season unfolds.
