Don Mattingly Announces Changes After Phillies Decision

Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Don Mattingly Announces Changes After Phillies Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Pardon Joshua | Last updated Oct 16, 2026 9:39 AM ET

Don Mattingly is preparing to reshape the Philadelphia Phillies’ coaching staff after agreeing to a two-year contract to remain the team’s manager. The changes include departures for hitting coach Kevin Long and infield coach Bobby Dickerson, with former New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza joining the staff.

Mattingly discussed his plans after the Phillies confirmed his return for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. He took over as interim manager in April after Philadelphia dismissed Rob Thomson and helped the team recover from a difficult start.

“Last year really wasn’t my team. It was Thomson’s team. I took over from that point, and we just kind of drove the car from there. I think there are things that I want to do differently,” Mattingly said, according to John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia.

“Last year really wasn’t my team. It was Thomson‘s team. I took over from that point, and we just kind of drove the car from there. I think there are things that I want to do differently”

Phillies manager Don Mattingly on his two-year contract. He will have a new hitting coach… pic.twitter.com/JVsKAYQKY6
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) October 15, 2026

The Phillies finished the 2026 regular season with an 88-74 record, placing second in the National League East behind the Atlanta Braves. Philadelphia reached the postseason but was eliminated by Atlanta in the National League Wild Card Series. The early exit added to the offseason questions surrounding a team that had hoped to make a deeper playoff run.

Long and Dickerson will not return for the 2027 season. Long had served as Philadelphia’s hitting coach since 2022, while Dickerson was responsible for infield instruction. The organization has not yet announced Long’s replacement.

Mendoza will take over as the Phillies’ infield and third-base coach. He managed the Mets from 2024 until his dismissal during the 2026 season and previously worked on the New York Yankees’ coaching staff. His experience managing in the National League East gives him familiarity with Philadelphia’s division rivals.

Philadelphia Phillies Don Mattingly (8)Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The coaching changes follow a season in which Philadelphia struggled to maintain consistency on both sides of the ball. The team’s offensive production declined, while defensive problems also became a concern. Replacing coaches in those areas gives Mattingly an opportunity to establish his preferred approach after taking over midway through the season.

Mattingly’s comments also make clear that he wants greater influence over how the team operates. After initially inheriting Thomson’s staff and roster structure, he will have more opportunity to shape the coaching group around his own priorities.

Mendoza’s appointment fills the infield coaching vacancy, but Philadelphia still needs to find a new hitting coach. The Phillies will spend the offseason evaluating their staff and roster as they prepare to return to contention in 2027.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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