Jun 3, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Phillies Vice President and general manager Preston Mattingly talks with Toronto Blue Jays bench coach Don Mattingly (46) during batting practice before a game at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images Nick Turchiaro
28 days after the Phillies stated that they had "mutual interest" in Don Mattingly becoming their bench coach, the two sides have agreed to a deal to make it a reality.
The move was announced Monday morning by the Phillies.
“I am excited to welcome Don Mattingly to Philadelphia”, Rob Thomson said. “Having known Don for years and having worked closely with him in New York, I know that his knowledge of the game and his character make him a great addition to our tremendous coaching staff.”
Mattingly becomes the bench coach on Thomson's staff, which returned all members from 2025, but shifted Mike Calitri from bench coach to the newly-created position of Major League field coordinator.
President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski indicated in his year-end press conference that the Phillies hoped to hire a candidate with prior managerial experience. When Mattingly and the Toronto Blue Jays amicably parted ways following the conclusion of his contract after the World Series, he seemed like an obvious candidate. Not only has he managed both the Los Angeles Dodgers (2011-2015) and Miami Marlins (2016-2022), but he coached on Joe Torre's New York Yankees staff from 2004-2007 along with Thomson.
Of course, Mattingly also has the experience of his 14-year playing career, which was highlighted by him winning the 1985 AL MVP with the Yankees, the team he spent his entire career with. Considering he's joining a coaching staff that's thin on MLB playing experience, Mattingly will provide an important perspective in that regard.
Perhaps the most interesting part of all of this is that Mattingly now joins an organization where his son, Preston, is the general manager, the second-most powerful person in the front office behind only Dombrowski.
Preston gave his thoughts during the MLB Winter Meetings last month in Orlando about potentially getting to work with his dad.
"Excited, honestly," Mattingly said of possibly working with his dad. "We're still trying to work through different things, but I think we share a common goal with everybody in the organization. We want to win a World Championship. Think he fits our roster really well and our staff, so, excited."
