Josh Elander has been appointed as the new head coach of Tennessee baseball, concluding a rapid search for leadership following Tony Vitello’s departure. The announcement was made on October 25, 2023, just three days after Vitello took over as manager of the San Francisco Giants.
Background of the Search
The search for a new head coach commenced on October 22, 2023. Tennessee’s athletics director, Danny White, expressed confidence in Elander’s capabilities. “From the outset of this national search, Josh emerged as the undeniable top choice,” White stated. He emphasized Elander’s significant contributions to transforming Tennessee baseball into a competitive powerhouse.
About Josh Elander
Elander has been with Tennessee since 2018, serving as the hitting coach. Under his guidance, the team has achieved remarkable offensive milestones, including hitting over 100 home runs for four consecutive seasons. In 2021, the team set a record of 184 homers, ranking second all-time in NCAA history.
Coaching and Player Development
- Promoted to associate head coach in 2022
- Serves as the catching coach and recruiting coordinator
- Played a pivotal role in player development
Playing Career and Early Coaching
Elander, a native of Round Rock, Texas, played college baseball at Texas Christian University (TCU) from 2010 to 2012. In those three seasons, he achieved a .333 batting average, recording 39 doubles, seven triples, 18 home runs, and 114 RBIs. He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the sixth round of the 2012 MLB Draft, subsequently playing four years in the minor leagues for both the Braves and the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Following his playing career, Elander returned to TCU as a student assistant coach in 2016, gaining valuable experience prior to joining Tennessee.
Future Goals and Aspirations
Upon his appointment, Elander expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I’m really happy for our players to continue building on what we’ve already built here.” He conveyed optimism for the future, highlighting the ongoing pursuit of championships under his leadership.
With Elander at the helm, Tennessee baseball looks poised for continued success on the diamond, eager to build on its recent achievements.
