Tennessee baseball has its new leader.
The Vols will stay internally, hiring associate head coach and recruiting coordinator, Josh Elander, as the team’s next head coach. He took the job after former head coach Tony Vitello accepted the managerial position with the MLB’s San Francisco Giants.
Elander earns the promotion after eight seasons on the staff.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity here on Rocky Top,” Elander said in a 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.”
Elander has been around the coaching scene since 2016, when he accepted a student assistant job with TCU. He spent a year with the Horned Frogs before taking a volunteer position with Arkansas for a year. Then, in August 2017, when Vitello accepted the Tennessee job, he dipped into former colleague Dave Van Horn’s staff to scoop up Elander.
Since arriving in Knoxville, Elander has been an instrumental coach in Tennessee’s success. As the team’s recruiting coordinator, he has put together eight top-15 recruiting classes according to Perfect Game. It includes back-to-back No. 1-rated classes for 2024 and 2025.
As the team’s hitting coach, Elander has helped produce 27 hitters and position players into the MLB Draft — 17 of which went in the first five rounds. It includes six first-rounders from the likes of Drew Gilbert, Jordan Beck, Christian Moore, Blake Burke, Gavin Kilen and Andrew Fischer.
Elander’s success in the baseball industry dates back to his player days. The successful coach was an all-conference player at TCU from 2010-12. He earned Freshman All-American honors in 2010 and Second-Team All-Big 12 as a junior in 2012.
He holds plentiful College World Series experience, beginning as a player during his freshman season in 2010. Elander led the Horned Frogs to Omaha, tallying 69 hits with a .356 average in 59 games played.
By the end of his third season, Elander did enough to impress the professional scene. The Atlanta Braves selected the junior catcher in the sixth round of the 2012 MLB Draft, where he then spent four years in the minor leagues. He was named Braves Minor League Player of the Year in 2013.
Now, he’ll get his first chance at a head coaching gig after Vitello’s departure. Elander has been part of the success with Tennessee, garnering a national title as a lead assistant, while being present for five consecutive NCAA Super Regionals.
“From the outset of this national search, Josh emerged as the undeniable top choice,” athletic director Danny White said in press release. “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 will take the throne that Vitello built. As the Vols’ program continued to succeed under Vitello, Tennessee athletics invested in the program. Lindsey Nelson Stadium is in the midst of $105.1 million renovation that is expected to be completed at the start of the season.
Additionally, since the 2026 season has already begun with fall ball, it is unlikely that the NCAA will grant waivers to any player looking to transfer. Elander is likely to assume the entire roster he helped recruit in the spring.
Elander will become the program’s 26th head coach.
