John Schneider Announces Coaching Change Amid MLB Offseason

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John Schneider Announces Coaching Change Amid MLB Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Xavier Constantino | Last updated Nov 10, 2026 6:29 PM ET

Toronto Blue Jays mental performance coach John Lannan will not return to the club’s coaching staff, general manager Ross Atkins said Tuesday, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic.

Atkins added that Lannan’s departure is the only coaching staff change that Toronto has made as of late.

Lannan joined the Blue Jays organization in 2020 as the mental performance coach for Triple-A Buffalo and Single-A Dunedin. The former big league pitcher was promoted to the major league staff ahead of the 2024 season, a move that Atkins announced in January of that year.

The decision comes after an extremely difficult year in Toronto.

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (14)Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Blue Jays finished with a 79-83 record and in last place in the American League East, missing the postseason after reaching Game 7 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers the year before.

Atkins has long described mental performance work as a key piece of player development across the organization. After this season ended, he said everything needs to be assessed.

Lannan is part of a growing trend in Toronto. Shortstop Bo Bichette and pitcher Chris Bassitt each left last offseason, and the Blue Jays finished last in the majors in home runs this season.

#BlueJays mental skills coach John Lannan will not be back, Atkins said. That’s the only coaching staff change as of now.
— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) November 10, 2026

Manager John Schneider remains in place after signing a contract extension in March that runs through 2028.

Toronto should get a boost next season as key bats return from injury. Outfielder Anthony Santander missed the entire 2026 season, and fellow outfielder Addison Barger appeared in only nine games.

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

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