In a stunning move that has sparked conversations across the Cincinnati sports community, former Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell has officially accepted a new leadership role as Vice President of Basketball Operations within the Reds’ broader athletic organization. While Bell was previously associated almost exclusively with the baseball side of the franchise, this unexpected shift into basketball operations is turning heads—and raising questions.
Even more intriguing, Bell’s first official act in his new executive position was to deliver a pointed message to current Reds manager Terry Francona. Sources within the organization confirm that Bell reached out personally, offering both advice and a challenge rooted in his experience and vision for the future of Cincinnati sports.
Bell, who managed the Reds from 2019 to 2024, was let go after a string of underwhelming seasons despite flashes of potential. Known for his analytical approach, emphasis on player development, and deep ties to the Reds’ legacy—his father, Buddy Bell, and grandfather, Gus Bell, were both integral to the franchise—David Bell maintained a solid reputation even after stepping down. His transition from dugout leadership to a front office role marks a bold new chapter in his career.
“David’s leadership, knowledge of athlete development, and ability to build culture made him an ideal candidate to help oversee our basketball operations,” said Reds President of Sports Operations, Jonathan Meyers. “While traditionally a baseball mind, David brings the kind of analytical thinking and organizational strategy that transcends sport.”
The Reds organization recently announced the launch of a semi-professional basketball development program under their sports umbrella—a move designed to expand the club’s reach and engage local athletes year-round. Bell will spearhead the initiative, working closely with coaching staff, trainers, and scouts to identify and nurture young basketball talent from across Ohio and the Midwest.
Bell’s appointment may have come as a surprise, but his message to Francona was even more eyebrow-raising.
According to internal sources, Bell sent a formal memo followed by a one-on-one phone call with the veteran manager, encouraging Francona to “break from tradition” and adopt a more aggressive developmental model with the current Reds roster.
“Too often, we’ve seen this organization shy away from risk,” Bell reportedly told Francona. “Now is the time to empower younger players, challenge the status quo, and evolve how we manage the game. Cincinnati deserves a bold future—not just a respectable past.”
The message wasn’t a rebuke, but it wasn’t just friendly advice either. It’s clear that Bell, while stepping into a new arena, still holds a deep investment in the team he once led—and he’s unafraid to make his opinions known.
Francona, who took over the managerial role just this year after a long and successful tenure with the Cleveland Guardians, is known for his calm demeanor and player-first approach. When asked about Bell’s message during a press availability Monday afternoon, Francona smiled.
“I’ve known David for years,” he said. “He cares deeply about this city, this team. I don’t take it as criticism—I take it as passion. And I appreciate that. At the end of the day, we’re both trying to make Cincinnati a powerhouse.”
Francona continued, “I respect what David’s doing with the new basketball program. It’s a fresh start for him, and it’s going to help a lot of young athletes in this area.”
The decision to place Bell in charge of basketball operations is part of a broader rebranding and expansion strategy by the Reds. In addition to developing a basketball presence, the organization is investing in esports, youth baseball academies, and year-round community outreach programs. The goal is to position the Reds as not just a baseball franchise, but as a multi-sport institution rooted in Cincinnati.
Bell will work out of the newly constructed Richard D. Davis Athletic Performance Center in Northern Kentucky, which houses training facilities for both baseball and basketball. The center is expected to open officially in September, and early reports suggest it will be among the most advanced sports facilities in the region.
Already, Bell has begun assembling a staff of former college coaches, data analysts, and player development experts. His goal: to make the Reds’ basketball program a national model for hybrid athletic development.
“There’s so much crossover between baseball and basketball in terms of mental preparation, endurance, and strategy,” Bell said during a media availability. “Athletes today are multi-dimensional. We need to be multi-dimensional as organizations too.”
Still, many fans and sportswriters are scratching their heads at the unusual career twist.
“David Bell is now in charge of basketball? That’s like asking Phil Jackson to manage the Yankees,” tweeted longtime Cincinnati sports columnist Rick Thompson. “But hey, if anyone’s going to take a leap like that, it’s Bell. He’s always been unconventional.”
Even so, support is building among the fanbase, especially given the Reds’ recent emphasis on innovation and community engagement. Bell’s reputation as a detail-oriented leader and his family’s generational link to the city may make him the ideal face for this new endeavor.
As for the impact on the Reds baseball team, insiders say it’s too early to tell. Francona and his staff remain focused on building momentum after a slow start to the 2025 season. But with Bell watching closely from a different part of the building—and unafraid to speak his mind—the pressure may be higher than ever.
For now, Bell is embracing his new role with the same tenacity that defined his time as manager.
“I’ve always believed in pushing the envelope,” he said. “This city has incredible potential, both on the field and the court. My job now is to unlock that.”
Whether this move proves to be visionary or misguided remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: David Bell is back in the game—and he’s not playing it safe.