Reports and rumors on the Brewers managerial search; Latest: Mike Shildt
A rundown of reports, interviews and rumors from around the web as it relates to the Brewers managerial search:
Brewers considering Mike Shildt according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale
Bob Nightengale's notebook from the general manager meetings indicates that the Brewers "also have their eyes on" former St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Shildt if Shildt doesn't get hired by San Diego. Nightengale also reiterates that Pat Murphy is a strong candidate, matching earlier reporting from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Shildt was named National League Manager of the Year in 2019 but was surprisingly fired after the 2021 season, when the Cardinals had made a third straight trip to the postseason. He had a 252-199 record in four seasons at the helm. Shildt, 55, also has ample minor-league coaching experience in the Cardinals organization.
Don Mattingly promoted within Jays organization, but don't rule him out yet
Don Mattingly, one name thrown out by Ken Rosenthal earlier in the day connected to the Brewers opening, has been given an expanded role by the Toronto Blue Jays as bench coach and offensive coordinator.
That seems to undercut the idea that he'll be part of the interviewing process for managerial openings, but Sportsnet columnist Shi Davidi indicated that Mattingly is interviewing with the Brewers and the role is contingent on "if he remains."
OFFICIAL: We're excited to announce the hiring of Carlos Febles as our Third Base Coach.
Additionally, Don Mattingly will be undertaking an expanded role as Bench Coach & Offensive Coordinator. pic.twitter.com/95K4sLjxCO— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) November 7, 2023
Several names thrown out by Ken Rosenthal, including Pat Murphy
Longtime baseball reporter Ken Rosenthal floated several names in the Brewers managerial search, the first report in the aftermath of the announcement that Craig Counsell was leaving to manage the Chicago Cubs.
Rosenthal's cadre of potential managers include bench coach Pat Murphy. As with most managerial searches, the logical next candidate is the bench coach, and Murphy has been serving alongside Counsell since 2016.
Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated indicated that Murphy was meeting with the Brewers but would also likely be offered a spot on Counsell's staff with the Cubs.
Murphy was briefly manager of the San Diego Padres in 2015 on an interim basis when Bud Black was fired. The 64-year-old was also head coach at Notre Dame (where he coached Craig Counsell) and Arizona State before joining the pro ranks, starting as a special assistant with the Padres in 2010.
Counsell attempted to bring Murphy over from the Padres in 2015, but the organization declined to let Murphy out of his contract early. When San Diego did not bring Murphy back for 2016, it was a natural fit in Milwaukee. It wouldn't surprise anyone to see Murphy also follow Counsell to the Cubs, though owner Mark Attanasio indicated that all coaches on staff (save for Counsell) were expected back.
Other names Rosenthal said the Brewers were considering to replace Counsell:
Rickie Weeks. Brewers fans know Weeks well. The former No. 2 overall pick in 2003 was just promoted to special assistant to player development after spending his first two seasons in the front office as an assistant to player development. The 41-year-old Florida native spent 10 years with the Brewers as a player, starting the all-star game in 2011.
More: Who would be the candidates to replace Craig Counsell as Milwaukee Brewers manager? Let's speculate
Joe Espada. The Houston Astros bench coach has been a managerial candidate before, interviewing for open spots with the Rangers and Cubs, among others. The 48-year-old native of Puerto Rico is a logical choice to replace Dusty Baker, however, the retiring Astros incumbent manager.
Clayton McCullough. The Los Angeles Dodgers first-base coach, 43, has interviewed for openings with the Mets and Royals in the past and has earned praise for his work with younger players.
Don Mattingly. The former Yankees great, 62, currently serves as the Blue Jays bench coach and has 12 years of big-league managerial experience, including five years with the Dodgers (three playoff appearances) and seven with the Marlins (one playoff appearance).
Troy Snitker. The son of Braves manager Brian Snitker, he's been the Astros hitting coach since 2019. At 34 years old, and would immediately become the youngest manager in baseball if he gets a job this offseason.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: The latest buzz on who might be the next Brewers manager
