The Philadelphia Phillies announced on Monday, January 5, 2026, the hiring of 64-year-old baseball veteran Don Mattingly as their new bench coach. Replacing Mike Calitri—who shifts to major league field coordinator—Mattingly joins manager Rob Thomson's staff after three seasons in the role with the Toronto Blue Jays, bringing Hall of Fame-caliber playing experience and extensive coaching/managerial expertise to a team eyeing a World Series title.
Mattingly emerged as a candidate in early November following the Phillies' October reassignment of Calitri. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski stressed the need for managerial experience, confirming at last month's Winter Meetings plans to hire Mattingly once his Blue Jays contract expired at season's end. No further contract details with Philadelphia were disclosed.
A former Yankees star first baseman, Mattingly earned six All-Star nods, nine Gold Gloves, an AL MVP award, and a batting title. He managed the Dodgers (2011-2015) and Marlins (2016-2022), and coached under Joe Torre with the Yankees and Dodgers (2004-2010). Thomson, a former colleague from New York, praised the addition: “Dave and I have been talking about hiring a guy like Donnie with that type of pedigree. Because as great as our staff is, we don’t have that guy who’s been a star in the big leagues.” He also stated: "I am excited to welcome Don Mattingly to Philadelphia. 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, who reached his first World Series with Toronto last year but has yet to win a title in 39 big-league years, views his role as support: “My job is really just to be another set of eyes and ears for Thomps... try to stay ahead with him and just try to lighten the load for him.” He had planned to retire but reconsidered, with no interest in managing again. His son, Preston Mattingly, is the Phillies' general manager, prompting potential nepotism questions. Dombrowski dismissed concerns: “I'm not worried about anything coming from the clubhouse up to us that shouldn't... Confidentiality is still confidentiality.” Mattingly added: “I’m very protective of the locker room relationship... I’m going to have to build that trust with players.” Preston expressed excitement: “We share a common goal with everybody in the organization... I’m excited.”
The hire follows scrutiny of Thomson's in-game decisions in the 2025 NLDS loss to the Dodgers—after a 2024 postseason push—and aligns with hot stove moves as spring training opens in five weeks. Mattingly hopes for success: “Hopefully, we don’t have a crash landing, and we’re able to be the team that wins our last game.”
