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Tennessee hires Josh Elander as head baseball coach

On3 imageby: Eric Cain18 hours ago_Cainer
Josh Elander. Credit: Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Josh Elander. Credit: Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Three days following the departure of Tony Vitello to manage the San Francisco Giants, Danny White has tabbed associate head coach Josh Elander as the new head coach for the Vols.

“From the outset of this national search, Josh emerged as the undeniable top choice,” said White in a statement. “His relentless commitment has helped transform Tennessee baseball into a powerhouse, and we are proud to have him as our next head coach on Rocky Top. His influence inspires excellence in every aspect of our program and we look forward to continuing our quest for championships on the diamond under Josh’s guidance!”

Elander has spent all eight seasons on Rocky Top as part of Vitello’s staff and was promoted to associate head coach in 2022. Elander has also served as recruiting coordinator during his time at Tennessee, leading in the role where the Vols have never finished outside the top-10 and have ranked lower than sixth in just one cycle – Vitello’s first cycle in 2018 (9th).  

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity here on Rocky Top,” Elander said in the university press release. “I’m really happy for our players to continue building on what we’ve already built here. The hunt continues, and we’re still excited. Love this place and these people. So thankful for the best that’s yet to come.”

The top-assistant has played a major role in sixth NCAA Tournament appearances, which included three trips to the College World Series and five-straight Super Regional appearances. Obviously, Tennessee won the national championship in 2024 – the first ever in program history. Elander has also been a part of four Southeastern Conference championships during his time with the program.   

Elander has coached 27 draft picks while at Tennessee as the primary hitting and catching instructor. Six of the 27 were first rounders, a list that includes Drew Gilbert (2022), Jordan Beck (2022), Christian Moore (2024), Blake Burke (2024), Gavin Kilen (2025) and Andrew Fischer (2025).

Under Elander’s leadership, Tennessee hammered 131 home runs in 2025 – marking the fourth consecutive season the program has hit 100 or more home runs.

Elander, 34, is a native of Round Rock, Texas where he attended and played baseball at TCU from 2010-2012. The catcher was a sixth round pick by the Atlanta Braves in 2012 and played parts of five seasons in Danville, Lynchburg, Rome and Kane County – reaching as high as Advanced A.

The standout named the Atlanta Braves Minor League Player of the Year in 2013 and was honored with the Atlanta Braves Hank Aaron Award in 2013 as well.  

Vitello logged a 341-131 record while at Tennessee in eight seasons at the helm. He leaves Tennessee as the third-winningest head coach in program history, behind Rod Delmonico (699-396 in 18 seasons) and Bill Wright (408, 308-2 in 19 seasons). His .722 winning percentage is the best in school history.