Don Mattingly has officially joined the Philadelphia Phillies as their new bench coach. The announcement, made on Monday, comes a few months after Mattingly’s appearance with the Toronto Blue Jays during the World Series. His addition to manager Rob Thomson’s staff was anticipated last month.
Following his exit from Toronto, where he spent three seasons, Mattingly expressed the need to evaluate how to balance his family life with his career. Notably, he now works within the same organization where his son, Preston Mattingly, serves as vice president and general manager. This unique family connection adds a personal dimension to his new role.
Rob Thomson praised Mattingly’s fit for the team during the league’s winter meetings, highlighting their previous connection while coaching with the New York Yankees. Mattingly, a former Yankees player from 1982 to 1995, has amassed over two decades of major league coaching experience, having been on a coaching staff for the past 22 seasons.
Coaching Journey
Before his time with the Blue Jays, Mattingly managed the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2011 to 2015, succeeding Joe Torre. He later took the helm of the Miami Marlins from 2016 to 2022, where he continued to build his reputation as a skilled leader in the sport. In Toronto, he served as the bench coach in 2023 and 2025, and was the offensive coordinator in 2024.
Mattingly’s extensive experience in both player and coaching roles positions him as a valuable asset to the Phillies. His familiarity with the pressures of major league competition and his success in various coaching capacities are expected to contribute positively to the team’s performance.
As the Phillies prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Mattingly is seen as a strategic move to enhance their coaching staff. With his proven track record and deep understanding of the game, Mattingly’s role as bench coach will be pivotal in shaping the team’s strategies on the field.
