Tennessee has appointed Josh Elander as the new head baseball coach, filling the position left vacant by Tony Vitello. This announcement came swiftly after Vitello’s departure to join the San Francisco Giants in Major League Baseball.
Josh Elander Takes the Helm at Tennessee Volunteers
On October 25, 2025, Tennessee’s athletic director, Danny White, praised Elander’s contributions to the baseball program. He stated that Elander was the “undeniable” choice to lead the Volunteers moving forward.
A Record of Success
Josh Elander brings a wealth of experience, having spent the last eight seasons with the Volunteers. He began his tenure in 2018 as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. Following a successful run, he was elevated to associate head coach in 2022, where he focused on working with hitters and catchers and served as the third-base coach.
- Tennessee Baseball Record: 341-131 since 2019
- College World Series Appearances: 3 times since 2019
- National Championship: 2024 title
- NCAA Tournament Berths: 6 in the last 8 seasons
- Super Regional Qualifications: 5 times
- SEC Titles: 2 regular-season, 2 tournament titles (latest in 2024)
Elander’s Vision for the Future
Elander expressed his gratitude for the new opportunity. He emphasized his eagerness to expand on the existing success of the program. “I’m really happy for our players to continue building on what we’ve already built here,” he stated. Elander affirmed his belief in the potential for further achievements in the future.
The Tennessee Volunteers baseball program has a strong foundation, and Elander’s leadership marks a new chapter aimed at sustaining and enhancing this tradition of excellence.
