New Delhi, Oct. 26 -- The University of Tennessee has promoted associate head coach Josh Elander to head baseball coach, filling the vacancy created by Tony Vitello's move to the San Francisco Giants. Athletic director Danny White announced the decision three days after Vitello's departure, opting for an internal successor to maintain the program's championship trajectory.

Danny White conducted a national search but prioritized speed and stability, interviewing Coastal Carolina's Kevin Schnall while naming pitching coach Frank Anderson as interim leader. This approach allowed Elander to focus on his candidacy amid ongoing recruiting and player development.

"From the outset of this national search, Josh emerged as the undeniable top choi...