Tennessee, Tony Vitello Agree On Record Five-Year Contract Extension

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Tennessee this afternoon announced that head coach Tony Vitello has signed a five-year contract extension that stretches through June 30, 2029. Vitello will reportedly make $3 million annually, which would make him the highest-paid coach in college baseball.

The extension comes on the heels of a record-setting season in Knoxville. Vitello led the Volunteers to their second SEC tournament—and regular season—title in the last three seasons, third College World Series in the last four seasons, fourth-straight regional championship and—most importantly—the program’s first-ever national championship. As a cherry on top, Vitello took home National Coach of the Year honors.

When Vitello took over in 2017, the Vols had not made a regional since 2005. Since taking the reins, the 45-year-old Vitello has established Tennessee as a national powerhouse and the team to beat annually. In the last four seasons, Tennessee’s 211 wins, .773 win percentage and 25 tournament wins all rank first nationally. And since 2020, Tennessee’s 28 draft picks also rank first nationally.

“Tony and his staff have developed the country’s top baseball program, and we are excited to announce this long-term extension to keep Tony on Rocky Top,” said Tennessee athletic director Danny White in the release. “As an athletics department, we aim to lead the way in college sports, and Tony has created a baseball program that sets the standard across the entire sport. The on-field results in the nation’s best conference are unmatched, and the enthusiasm he has brought to Vol Nation has been incredible to witness.”

Vitello also receives a $250,000 signing bonus and a $200,000 bonus for winning the 2024 College World Series in the new deal. Vitello’s $3 million salary is the highest in college baseball, and also would rank in a tie for 13th among MLB manager salaries this year, according to Front Office Sports.

The announcement continues a steady run of positive momentum in Rocky Top, which includes the national championship, stadium renovations and now a lengthy contract extension for its head man.