Former Dodgers Manager Emerges in Phillies Discussion Amid Pressure on Rob Thomson
As pressure continues to mount on the Philadelphia Phillies during a difficult 2026 campaign, former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Don Mattingly has surfaced as a name being discussed by fans and analysts as a potential replacement should the club move on from current manager Rob Thomson.
Before Dave Roberts became the face of the Dodgers’ dugout and guided Los Angeles to multiple championships, Mattingly held that role from 2011 through 2015. During his five-year run with the Dodgers, Mattingly posted a strong 446-363 regular-season record and helped the franchise capture three consecutive National League West division titles. Despite that success, Los Angeles parted ways with him after the team repeatedly fell short of reaching the World Series.
Following his departure from the Dodgers, Mattingly was hired as manager of the Miami Marlins, where he spent six seasons before later joining the Toronto Blue Jays as bench coach in 2023. He now serves in a coaching role with the Phillies, placing him close to the center of speculation as Philadelphia searches for answers during its rough start.
The Phillies have struggled significantly since their postseason defeat to the Dodgers in the 2025 National League Wild Card round. Their poor form has carried into this season, leaving them tied for last place in the NL East and among the worst teams in baseball. Philadelphia has dropped 15 of its last 18 contests and recently endured a 10-game losing streak, fueling frustration throughout the fanbase.
Statistically, the Phillies rank near the bottom of Major League Baseball in multiple categories. They own the league’s worst run differential at minus-54, the second-lowest team batting average at .219, and the third-worst ERA at 5.15. Those struggles have intensified calls for organizational changes, with many supporters questioning whether Thomson should remain in charge.
Thomson earned praise for taking over a 22-29 Phillies team in 2022 and helping guide the franchise back into contention, but the current slide has created uncertainty about his future. If the Phillies decide to make a managerial switch, Mattingly’s experience and presence within the organization naturally make him a logical name to consider.
However, there may be one major obstacle to that possibility: Mattingly himself.
According to Phillies beat writer Cory Nidoh, Mattingly has previously stated that he does not have interest in returning to a full-time managerial role. Nidoh noted on social media that Mattingly explained during his introductory press conference with Philadelphia that he no longer has aspirations to manage because of the intense demands and energy required for the job.
While circumstances can always change, Mattingly reportedly appeared content in a supporting role when he joined the organization.
Even if he does not want to become manager again, Mattingly could still see an increased role if Philadelphia reshuffles its coaching staff. Some have suggested he could become the team’s hitting coach should the Phillies part ways with Kevin Long, or potentially step into a temporary leadership role if needed.
Mattingly also recently reflected on the end of his time with the Dodgers, explaining that his departure from Los Angeles after the 2015 season was primarily a family-driven decision. He said he has never regretted that choice and remains on good terms with the Dodgers organization.
Although many in Los Angeles appreciated Mattingly’s tenure, few would dispute the Dodgers’ success under Roberts, who has since delivered three World Series championships.
For now, Mattingly appears comfortable remaining in a coaching capacity rather than returning to the pressure of managing. Still, if the Phillies’ struggles continue and leadership changes are made, his name will likely remain part of the conversation.
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