KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee concluded a quick search to replace Tony Vitello by announcing assistant Josh Elander as the Volunteers' new baseball coach on Saturday.
Vitello's departure for the San Francisco Giants and the Major Leagues was announced Wednesday. Athletic director Danny White said Elander emerged early in a national search as the “undeniable” choice.
“His tireless commitment has helped transform Tennessee baseball into a powerhouse, and we are proud to have him as our next head coach at Rocky Top,” White said.
Elander has spent the last eight seasons with the Volunteers, starting as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator in 2018. He was promoted to associate head coach after the 2022 season, working with hitters and catchers and as a third base coach.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity here at Rocky Top,” Elander said. “I am very happy that our players continue to build on what we have already built here. The search continues and we are still excited. I love this place and these people. I am very grateful for the best that is to come.”
He takes over a program that went 341-131 and has reached the College World Series three times since 2019, winning the 2024 title for the Vols' first national baseball championship. Tennessee has earned six NCAA Tournament berths over the past eight seasons with five Super Regionals.
The Vols also have two SEC regular-season titles and a pair of SEC tournament titles, most recently in 2024.
