Tony Vitello, head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers baseball team, has signed a five-year contract extension through June 30, 2029, solidifying his position as the highest-paid coach in college baseball. The contract, announced by Tennessee Athletics Director Danny White, includes an annual salary of $3 million, surpassing the previous highest salary in the sport .
This extension follows a historic season in which Vitello led the Volunteers to their first-ever national championship. Under his leadership, Tennessee achieved a 60-win season, secured both the SEC regular season and tournament titles, and clinched the College World Series title by defeating Texas A\&M in a decisive Game 3 . Vitello’s remarkable performance earned him National Coach of the Year honors from multiple outlets .([Baseball America][3], [University of Tennessee Athletics [University of Tennessee Athletics
Since taking over as head coach in 2018, Vitello has transformed Tennessee baseball into a national powerhouse. His tenure has been marked by consistent success, including three College World Series appearances in the past four seasons and a cumulative record of 295–112 . The program’s resurgence is evident in its recruitment success, with Tennessee landing the No. 1 overall recruiting class for 2024 and the No. 3 class for 2025 .([Yahoo Sports][6], [Rocky Top Talk
Vitello’s rapid ascent in Tennessee’s coaching ranks is underscored by his achievement of 300 career wins in just 412 games, the fastest in program history. This milestone highlights his exceptional leadership and the program’s sustained excellence .([Saturday Down South
The new contract also includes a \$250,000 signing bonus and a \$200,000 retroactive bonus for the 2024 College World Series victory. In the event of a termination without cause, Vitello would be owed the remainder of the contract, with a buyout clause decreasing over time .
This extension reflects Tennessee’s commitment to maintaining its position at the forefront of college baseball and recognizes Vitello’s pivotal role in the program’s success. With his leadership, the Volunteers are poised for continued excellence in the coming years.
