Phillies Eye Don Mattingly for Bench Coach Role After NLDS Exit

The Philadelphia Phillies are wasting no time reshaping their coaching staff after a tough end to the 2025 season. Following their NLDS loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the organization is reportedly considering bringing in a high-profile addition to its dugout. According to Phillies contributor Jon Salisbury, the team has “discussed the possibility” of hiring Don Mattingly as its next bench coach.

Mattingly, who recently parted ways with the Toronto Blue Jays, immediately became one of the most intriguing names on the coaching market. The former MVP and longtime MLB manager has yet to capture a World Series title — a feat that has eluded him despite several close calls as both player and coach.

While talks remain preliminary, the connection between the Phillies and Mattingly runs deeper than just coaching needs. His son, Preston Mattingly, currently serves as Philadelphia’s general manager, fueling speculation that a family reunion could be in the works.

For the Phillies, hiring Mattingly would represent both a strategic and symbolic move — adding an experienced baseball mind to a team looking to return to championship form after back-to-back postseason disappointments.

1. Mattingly’s Journey and Near-Miss with Toronto

Don Mattingly’s time in Toronto was short but impactful. Joining the Blue Jays in 2023 as bench coach under John Schneider, he played a key role in helping the team evolve into a consistent contender in the American League. Under his guidance, the Jays captured 94 wins in 2025 and reached the World Series, only to fall heartbreakingly short in a seven-game thriller against the Los Angeles Dodgers. That defeat stung deeply. Toronto held a 3–1 series lead before the Dodgers stormed back, ultimately winning in 11 innings of Game 7. Despite the loss, Mattingly’s influence on the club’s discipline and approach was widely praised throughout the league. For Mattingly, the Blue Jays’ collapse may have reinforced his determination to seek another opportunity — ideally one that could finally end his World Series drought. Though reports initially linked him to managerial openings, his next step could be another bench role, this time in Philadelphia. If the move materializes, Mattingly would bring not just tactical experience but also a steady leadership presence that aligns with the Phillies’ win-now mentality.

2. A Potential Fit in Philadelphia’s Ambitious Plans

The Phillies are no strangers to bold offseason decisions. With a roster built around stars like Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Zack Wheeler, the organization remains committed to staying competitive in the National League. Bringing in a veteran coach like Mattingly could help fortify the leadership group and provide valuable perspective for both players and the coaching staff. While current manager Rob Thomson retains strong support from the front office, adding Mattingly as his right-hand man would enhance the Phillies’ tactical flexibility. His experience in balancing veteran rosters and nurturing young talent could prove especially valuable for a team that has occasionally struggled with consistency late in the season. There’s also a personal angle that could sway Mattingly’s decision. Working alongside his son, Preston, could provide a unique opportunity to blend family and professional aspirations — a rare scenario in Major League Baseball. Beyond sentiment, Philadelphia offers Mattingly something he’s long chased: a legitimate chance to win it all. With the Phillies’ competitive window still wide open, joining their staff could be the most direct path to the World Series title that has eluded him for decades.

3. Familiar Foes and Unfinished Business

Should Mattingly join Philadelphia, it would set the stage for compelling storylines in the upcoming season. One of the most intriguing possibilities? A postseason rematch against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team that denied both him and the Blue Jays their championship dreams. Such a matchup would carry personal significance for Mattingly. A former Dodgers manager himself, he spent five seasons at the helm in Los Angeles, guiding them to three division titles but never beyond the NLCS. Facing them again — this time as part of the Phillies’ staff — would offer a symbolic chance for redemption. The Phillies, meanwhile, are eager to reclaim the dominance that carried them to the 2022 World Series. Adding a seasoned voice like Mattingly’s could provide the tactical edge and emotional steadiness needed to navigate another deep postseason run. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Philadelphia’s next move. For Mattingly, the decision will likely hinge on whether the fit feels right — both professionally and personally. But one thing is clear: his pursuit of a World Series ring isn’t over yet.