Vols make Vitello highest-paid NCAA baseball coach at $3M

Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello has secured a new five-year contract worth $3 million annually, making him the highest-paid coach in college baseball history, the university announced on Friday. This comes on the heels of the Vols' historic achievement of winning their first national championship, defeating Texas A&M 6-5 in the final game. Under Vitello's leadership, Tennessee has reached the Men's College World Series three times in the last four years and has consistently excelled, boasting a national-best 211 wins and a .773 winning percentage during that period. Vitello expressed his commitment to the program, stating that the new hires made this summer were part of a broader strategy to ensure long-term stability within the athletic department and coaching staff. The university is also investing in significant renovations at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, which will enhance the fan experience with increased seating capacity and premium options as part of a $98.5 million project. With this new contract, Vitello surpasses other notable coaches in the sport, including Texas's Schlossnagle, who will earn $2.2 million annually, and Vanderbilt's Tim Corbin at $2 million. His contract, effective through June 30, 2029, positions him among the top 10 highest-paid managers in Major League Baseball, according to industry insiders. Since his hiring in 2018, Vitello has transformed the Vols into a powerhouse, leading them to five NCAA tournaments and two SEC tournament titles. This season, Tennessee also made headlines with a record four players selected in the first two rounds of the MLB draft, including first-round picks Christian Moore and Blake Burke.