Danny White Isn’t the Villain in the Tony Vitello Story

By: Dallas Bowlin

Senior Staff Writer/Editor/Host

The All Vol Call In Show

Photo | USA Today

Well, this escalated quickly. About two weeks ago, reports surfaced that a couple of Major League Baseball teams were eyeing Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello for their managerial openings.

Vitello addressed the rumors in an interview with Mike Wilson of the Knoxville News Sentinel: “It will eventually get to you,” Vitello told Wilson of his name being linked to MLB jobs. “You hear it and it’s flattering. Basically, it is a compliment to our support staff and our players... That is what I consider it — a compliment.”

Not exactly a denial, but not a confirmation either. Fast forward to October 18th, when MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported: “The San Francisco Giants are eyeing Tennessee Volunteers head coach Tony Vitello to be their next manager.”

Rumors quickly began circulating about a “sour relationship” between Vitello and Tennessee Athletic Director Danny White, reportedly stemming from potential revenue-sharing disputes. While no credible outlet ever confirmed those whispers, that didn’t stop Vol fans from taking to social media and spitting venom at White.

Despite the noise, Danny White isn’t the villain in this story. In fact, there isn’t one. Tony Vitello didn’t bolt for another college program — he leaped to manage at the professional level, something no college coaches have ever done without prior professional experience. That’s not a failure on Tennessee’s part; it’s a testament to what Vitello built here. There was nothing Danny White could realistically offer that would rival the opportunity to lead a Major League Baseball team.

The harsh truth is this: college baseball operates at a deficit for the university — and it’s not even close to breaking even. The Lady Vols basketball program reportedly outdraws baseball slightly in revenue, which only underscores the gap. Danny White has to prioritize the programs that make the university the most money. At the very least, he couldn’t afford to elevate one that runs a significant deficit compared to the others.

This won’t stop fans from attacking Danny White online, but if you do, you’re being foolish. Danny White isn’t your enemy — Tony Vitello took the Giants job because he wants to test himself at the highest level.