Offseason Rumors: Dave Dombrowski interested in hiring Don Mattingly as bench coach

Keep track of all the latest offseason rumors pertaining to the Phillies on Phillies Nation.

Friday, Nov 7: Salisbury: Phillies have “seriously” discussed hiring Don Mattingly as bench coach

The Phillies are looking for a new bench coach after moving Mike Calitri to the newly-established major league field coordinator role. Former Marlins and Dodgers manager Don Mattingly left his role as Blue Jays bench coach after the World Series. Could he be a candidate for the same role in Philadelphia? Jim Salisbury discussed the possibility on the WIP Morning Show:

It’s been seriously discussed by the organization. You know, there might be a complication. His son (Preston) is the GM as we all know, but maybe that’s not a complication. But, you know, they are on record as saying they want to have a bench coach who has major league managerial experience. He’s managed two teams. He’s got history with Rob Thomson dating back to their time as staffers on the Yankees. He’s got history with Kevin Long. Obviously, his son is there. And he’s a good baseball man and, you know, on that coaching staff, there’s a real dearth of major league experience on the playing side. He would really bring some of that. So he might bring some different kind of voice in that clubhouse and a different level of respect. They have talked about it. Dave Dombrowski wants it, from what I’ve heard. That’s his kind of guy. And we’ll see where it goes. Obviously, Don Mattingly has left the door open to stay in baseball. He would like to manage, but I don’t think any of the managerial openings that are still around intrigue him. But coming here and trying to get a ring here with his son, I think it would be a hell of a story.