The Philadelphia Phillies officially announced on Monday that Don Mattingly has been hired as the club’s new bench coach, working alongside manager Rob Thomson. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski had previously confirmed that discussions with Mattingly took place regarding the opening. The move comes after former bench coach Mike Calitri transitioned into a new role this offseason as the organization’s major league field coordinator.
Mattingly arrives in Philadelphia after spending the last three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays as their bench coach. He opted not to return to Toronto for the 2026 season, choosing instead to pursue new professional opportunities. His extensive experience across multiple organizations made him an attractive candidate for the Phillies’ coaching staff.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Don Mattingly to Philadelphia,” Thomson said in the team’s official statement. “We’ve known each other for a long time, and having worked with him previously in New York, I know firsthand how valuable his baseball knowledge, leadership, and character will be to our staff.”
An interesting layer to Mattingly’s arrival is his connection to the Phillies’ front office. His son, Preston Mattingly, serves as the club’s general manager. While Dave Dombrowski remains the top decision-maker as president of baseball operations, Preston plays a significant role within the organization. He previously worked as the Phillies’ director of player development and assistant general manager before earning his current title.
Although Thomson and Mattingly never shared a role together on the Yankees’ major league coaching staff, their professional paths are closely linked. Thomson succeeded Mattingly as the Yankees’ bench coach in 2008 after Mattingly accepted a position as Joe Torre’s hitting coach with the Los Angeles Dodgers. That same offseason, Mattingly was considered for the Yankees’ managerial opening, which ultimately went to Joe Girardi, who then appointed Thomson as his bench coach.
Beyond the major league level, the two worked closely within the Yankees’ organization. Mattingly served as a minor league instructor before joining the big league staff as hitting coach in 2003, while Thomson was heavily involved in player development as both a minor league manager and organizational leader. Their shared focus on developing young talent helped shape many of the Yankees’ rising prospects at the time.
Now 64 years old, Mattingly brings a wealth of experience to Philadelphia. In addition to his coaching roles, he spent five seasons as manager of the Dodgers and seven seasons leading the Miami Marlins. His most recent stop in Toronto also included responsibilities as the team’s offensive coordinator, overseeing hitting instruction throughout the organization.
With the Phillies, Mattingly will serve as Thomson’s primary assistant. While there has been some speculation about Thomson’s long-term future as manager, his contract extension through the 2027 season secures his position for at least two more years. Mattingly, who is slightly older than Thomson, may not be viewed as a traditional successor, but his presence gives the Phillies a highly experienced option and further strengthens an already veteran coaching staff.
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