Don Mattingly was Phillies’ top choice for manager, Dombrowski says

The Phillies’ front office has confirmed that Don Mattingly will remain at the helm for at least the next two seasons, formally ending his “interim” status after a solid 79‑55 campaign that saw the club return to the postseason for the fifth straight year. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski announced the decision at his end‑of‑season press conference, noting that Mattingly was offered the full‑time role only days after the team’s exit in the National League Wild Card Series against the Atlanta Braves. The announcement was delayed to avoid overlap with the Eagles’ playoff run and because Mattingly had a family trip scheduled.

Mattingly accepted a two‑year contract and was officially named manager on Wednesday, with Dombrowski stressing that he was the first candidate approached and the leading choice for the position. The Phillies’ decision follows the dismissal of Rob Thomson in April after a 9‑19 start, a move that set the stage for Mattingly’s return to the dugout.

In addition to the managerial change, the club has reshuffled its coaching staff. Former Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was hired as the infield and third‑base coach, bringing experience from his tenure with New York, where he guided the team to a single playoff appearance. The Phillies reportedly also let go of hitting coach Kevin Long and infield coach Bobby Dickerson, signaling a broader effort to refresh the coaching lineup after a disappointing postseason exit.

The organization’s focus now turns to building on the momentum of the 2024 season, with Mattingly and the new coaching staff working to sustain the team’s competitive trajectory.

Source: Don Mattingly was Phillies’ top choice for manager, Dombrowski says