In a major development for Major League Baseball and the Cincinnati Reds organization, longtime manager Terry Francona has officially announced his departure from the team. The veteran skipper revealed he has accepted a proposal from MLB to become the inaugural head coach of the newly established Nashville expansion team, set to debut in the 2026 season.
The move was confirmed during a press conference held at Great American Ball Park early Tuesday morning, where Francona addressed the media and Reds fans with both emotion and optimism about what lies ahead.
“This has been one of the hardest decisions of my career,” Francona said. “I’ve loved every minute managing this Reds ball club and working with such a talented group of young players. But the opportunity to help build something brand new for Major League Baseball — and for the great city of Nashville — is something I couldn’t pass up.”
A New Chapter in a Storied Career
Terry Francona, 65, joined the Reds ahead of the 2024 season after more than a decade managing the Cleveland Guardians. Though his tenure with Cincinnati was brief, Francona helped stabilize a young and promising roster, bringing veteran leadership and a winning mentality to the clubhouse.
Now, he becomes the face of MLB’s newest franchise — a long-anticipated expansion team in Nashville, Tennessee, which the league formally announced in April as part of its broader strategy to grow the game in the Southeast. Francona’s appointment as head coach is seen as a statement of seriousness and ambition for the franchise.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Terry Francona lead the Nashville club,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in a prepared statement. “His championship pedigree, deep knowledge of the game, and reputation for integrity make him the ideal person to help shape this team from the ground up.”
Reds Respond to Sudden Departure
While Francona’s exit was not entirely unexpected, it does come at a pivotal time for the Reds, who currently sit in second place in the NL Central and are fighting for a playoff spot. Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall praised Francona’s leadership and promised a swift transition plan.
“We’re grateful for everything Tito has done for this organization in his time here,” Krall said. “He’s a Hall of Fame-caliber manager and a tremendous human being. We respect his decision and wish him nothing but success in this exciting new chapter. Our focus now shifts to ensuring continuity and keeping our team competitive this season.”
Bench coach Freddie Benavides is expected to take over managerial duties on an interim basis while the club begins a formal search for Francona’s permanent replacement.
Building Baseball in Nashville
Francona’s new role as head coach of the Nashville team marks a significant milestone for baseball in Tennessee. With construction underway on a state-of-the-art stadium in downtown Nashville and plans to unveil the team name, colors, and branding later this year, anticipation is building fast.
Sources close to the league suggest Francona will play a key role not only in shaping the team’s roster but also in guiding front-office hiring and establishing a strong player development system. It’s expected he will have significant input in the hiring of the general manager and scouting directors.
“Starting fresh is both daunting and exhilarating,” Francona said. “This isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about creating a culture, setting a tone, and building something the people of Nashville can be proud of for generations.”
A Legacy of Leadership
Terry Francona is widely regarded as one of the most respected figures in modern baseball. Best known for leading the Boston Red Sox to two World Series championships — including the historic 2004 title that ended an 86-year drought — Francona has amassed over 1,900 career managerial wins.
His reputation as a player-first manager and a stabilizing clubhouse force has followed him throughout his career, from Philadelphia to Boston to Cleveland, and now, Nashville.
Though Reds fans are saddened to see him go, many offered words of gratitude on social media, with hashtags like #ThankYouTito and #FranconaForever trending in Cincinnati shortly after the announcement.
What’s Next?
Francona will officially step down from his Reds duties following the team’s upcoming weekend series. He is expected to begin full-time responsibilities with the Nashville franchise later this summer, assisting in scouting, hiring, and league expansion meetings.
As one chapter closes in Cincinnati, another opens in Nashville — and with Terry Francona at the helm, the MLB’s newest team will enter the league with one of its most experienced leaders guiding the way.