Tennessee Appoints Josh Elander as New Baseball Coach

Josh Elander has been appointed as the new head coach of Tennessee baseball, marking the end of a brief coaching search. This decision follows the departure of Tony Vitello, who left the position on October 22 to join the San Francisco Giants after an impressive eight-season tenure at Tennessee.

Tennessee’s Quick Coaching Decision

The announcement of Elander’s hire came on October 25, just three days after the coaching search began. According to Athletics Director Danny White, Elander emerged as the top candidate almost immediately. White expressed confidence in Elander’s ability to further elevate Tennessee baseball, saying, “His relentless commitment has helped transform Tennessee baseball into a powerhouse.”

Elander’s Background and Achievements

Elander has been connected to the Tennessee baseball program since 2018, serving as the hitting coach. During his tenure, the team has consistently excelled, hitting over 100 home runs in four consecutive seasons. Notably, in 2021, they hit 184 homers, which ranks as the second-highest in NCAA history, just behind the 1997 LSU team that recorded 188.

• Coaching History:
  • Joined Tennessee staff in 2018 as hitting coach.
  • Promoted to associate head coach in 2022.
• Previous Experience:
  • Played at TCU from 2010-2012, batting .333 with impressive statistics.
  • Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2012, spent four years in the minor leagues.
  • Served as a student assistant at TCU in 2016.

A Focus on Future Success

In response to his appointment, Elander expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the program. He stated, “I’m really happy for our players to continue building on what we’ve already built here.” Elander emphasized his commitment to maintaining the momentum of the winning culture at Tennessee.

As Tennessee prepares for another season under Elander’s leadership, fans and players alike are excited about the possibilities ahead in pursuit of championships on the diamond.