Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Don Mattingly and the team mutually agreed to part ways on October 22 after the Dodgers failed to reach the National League Championship Series for two consecutive seasons, according to the Dodgers. However, Mattingly has already found a new job.
Molly Knight of Vice Sports was the first to report the news:
The Miami Marlins have hired Don Mattingly as their next manager, according to a person familiar with the situation who is not authorized to speak publicly. Mattingly’s deal is for four years, as reported. He will be the eighth manager the Marlins have had since 2010. The team is expected to make a formal announcement after the World Series.
CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman quickly confirmed Knight’s report. Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reported that Mattingly’s interview went well on October 27.
On October 22, CBS Sports’ Heyman revealed that Miami was interested in the former Dodgers manager.
The Marlins had been looking for a new full-time manager since firing Mike Redmond in May, and they have interviewed several experienced candidates in recent weeks.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Phil Nevin and Larry Bowa have both had two interviews with the Marlins, but Mattingly became the “favorite” for the job.
“I’m still very passionate about managing and hope to get the opportunity in the near future,” Mattingly said in a statement released by the Dodgers on October 22, as reported by the Sun Sentinel’s Craig Davis.
Miami has also reportedly spoken with Manny Acta and Bo Porter about the position, according to Davis.
The Marlins are still rebuilding, and after a tough 71-91 season filled with difficulties, the team’s future didn’t look too promising. However, hiring a manager like Mattingly should help. He has a career winning percentage of .551 and led the Dodgers to three straight NL West titles in the past three seasons.
