With Tony Vitello now officially coming on board as the San Francisco Giants manager, he's got some work to do.

The Giants don't want to have another season where they are not among the leaders in the National League West Division. It might add insult to injury if the Los Angeles Dodgers happen to repeat again as World Series champions.

But Vitello has been entrusted with getting more out of players like Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, Matt Chapman, and a pitching staff that has Logan Webb as its ace but still needs some help.

On Wednesday, after rumors abounded about the Giants' interest in Vitello, an announcement from the Giants' front office confirmed those rumors.

"We are thrilled to welcome Tony to the Giants family," Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey said in a statement on Wednesday, according to MLB.com. "Tony is one of the brightest, most innovative and most respected coaches in college baseball today.

"Throughout our search, Tony's leadership, competitiveness and commitment to developing players stood out," Posey said. "His ability to build strong, cohesive teams and his passion for the game align perfectly with the values of our organization. We look forward to the energy and direction he will bring, along with the memories to be made, as we focus on the future of Giants baseball."

Vitello has had success in leading the Volunteers' college basketball program. He now has to transfer that success at the collegiate level into the MLB world.

"I'm incredibly honored and grateful for this opportunity," Vitello said in a statement on Wednesday. "I'm excited to lead this group of players and represent the San Francisco Giants. I can't wait to get started and work to establish a culture that makes Giants faithful proud."

Vitello also has made stops in the collegiate baseball ranks at Missouri, Texas Christian University, and Arkansas. A few MLB players have crossed paths with Vitello in college ball, including Andrew Benintendi, Max Scherzer, Kyle Gibson, and Garrett Crochet.

Vitello, 47, has been head coach at Tennessee since 2018.

It's very, very unusual for a college baseball coach to move into the MLB ranks.

This move might be considered risky in some MLB circles. But Posey believes that Vitello is the right man at the right time for his club and players.

It will be an interesting experience to watch out in the Bay Area during the 2026 MLB season.