Contract details released for new Tennessee Baseball coach Josh Elander

New Tennessee Baseball coach Josh Elander will get $1 million annually on a five-year contract that runs through June 30, 2030. The Vols released the details of the memorandum of understanding with Elander before his introductory press conference Monday morning.

Tennessee announced the promotion of Elander, the former associate head coach and recruiting coordinator under Tony Vitello, on Saturday. Vitello left Tennessee to become the new manager of the San Francisco Giants last Wednesday. 

Elander’s base compensation is $500,000 with an additional $500,000 in supplemental pay.

If the university fires Elander without cause, he will be due 50% of the monthly base rate times the number of months remaining in the term, with part of the month prorated based on weekdays. The payment would be issued in monthly installments over a period equal to the number of months remaining in the term until June 30, 2030.

If Elander were to leave prior to the end of his contract, the separation pay would be 25% of remaining pay as it stems from base pay and not coupled with supplemental pay.  

A look at Josh Elander’s bonus structure

Elander’s contract includes nine bonus levels in the SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament: $20,000 SEC Tournament appearance; $40,000 NCAA Regional appearance; $60,000 host NCAA Regional; $80,000 SEC regular-season championship or SEC Tournament championship; $100,000 NCAA Super Regional appearance; $120,000 host Super Regional; $140,000 NCAA College World Series appearance; $160,000 College World Series Championship series appearance; $200,000 NCAA College World Series Champion. 

Elander would get $5,000 for being the SEC Coach of the Year and $10,000 as the national coach of the year and a $25,000 bonus for a single-year APR score exceeding the national average in college baseball in the same year.

Elander will be paid the highest single amount in bonus structure.

Elander was on Vitello’s Tennessee staff since August 2017 and was promoted to associate head coach after the 2022 season. 

He previously worked with Tennessee’s hitters and catchers and has been a vital role in all the success the Vols have had under Vitello. The native of Round Rock, Texas, played at TCU and started his coaching career as a volunteer assistant at Arkansas in 2017. 

‘Love this place and these people. So thankful for the best that’s yet to come.’

“From the outset of this national search, Josh emerged as the undeniable top choice,” Tennessee athletic director Danny White said on Saturday while announce Elander’s hiring. “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.”

In eight seasons, Vitello brought the Tennessee baseball program back to life, taking the Vols from the bottom of the SEC to two league championships, three College World Series appearances and the 2024 College World Series national championship. 

“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.”