Blue Jays losing key piece of WS run with Mattingly's departure

Former Toronto Blue Jays bench coach Don Mattingly. Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Blue Jays losing key piece of World Series run with Don Mattingly's departure

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Nov 6, 2025 3:37 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays will aim to make another World Series trip next season, but they'll be doing so without bench coach Don Mattingly.

Mattingly, who has served on manager John Schneider's staff for the past three seasons, has confirmed he's not re-signing with the Blue Jays this offseason.

Don Mattingly explains why he's leaving Blue Jays

At a Gold Glove meet-and-greet on Thursday, Mattingly indicated he and the Blue Jays are parting on good terms and there's no animosity between either party. The coach added he knew he would be making this decision going into the 2025 season.

"Kind of had a feeling that this was probably going to be my last year in Toronto," the former New York Yankees star said. "And really, when I went to Toronto, when [general manager] Ross [Atkins] called me, I was thrilled. I had a great time there. The organization's been tremendous. It's been a great run, but I thought before the year started that I felt like this was the end with Toronto, and really nothing more than that."

“Kind of had a pretty good feeling that this was going to be my last year in Toronto.”

Don Mattingly on why he stepped away from the Blue Jays pic.twitter.com/D6c56OQDNm
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) November 6, 2025

Mattingly, 64, has been linked to a potential return to the Yankees coaching staff and the Colorado Rockies' managerial job. However, the coach is considering his options and hasn't ruled out retirement.

"At this point, I just want to chill and figure out what I want to do," Mattingly said. "Wake up today, relax, take everything in from the season and just see what comes up and see what balances the family and work."

Don Mattingly on whether or not he’d consider the Rockies’ final managerial opening or rejoin the Yankees in some capacity pic.twitter.com/wAVqSmj9rC
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) November 6, 2025

How Don Mattingly's departure impacts Blue Jays

After missing the playoffs during the 2024 season, the Blue Jays moved Mattingly from offensive coordinator to bench coach. It clearly made a difference for the team.

This past season, the Blue Jays went 94-68, winning the American League East en route to their first Fall Classic appearance since 1993. They almost won Game 7, but the Dodgers mounted an epic comeback, winning 5-4 in 11 innings.

Mattingly has mentored Schneider over the past three seasons. Although Mattingly is no longer with the club, Schneider must continue to abide by those lessons to lead the Blue Jays back to the World Series and win their third championship.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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