The Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday fired manager Rob Thomson, and the interim skipper is a familiar face for many fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Don Mattingly, who managed the Dodgers from 2011 to 2015 and coached the team for three seasons before that, will serve as the Phillies’ interim manager this season, reports ESPN.

Mattingly’s son, Preston Mattingly, is the general manager of the Phillies, creating “what is believed to be the first father-son manager-GM combination in baseball history,” ESPN added.

Why did the Phillies fire Rob Thomson?

Thomson managed the Phillies from 2022 to 2026, and in the four seasons that he finished, he made the playoffs each time, including winning the National League pennant in 2022 and two NL East titles in 2024 and 2025.

He also owns the highest winning percentage for a manager in Phillies franchise history, as detailed by Matt Gelb of The Athletic.

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This season, however, the Phillies started 9-19, including losing 11 of their past 12 games.

That rough start comes after the Phillies were the preseason favorites to again win the division and boast one of the five most expensive rosters in the sport, which is also the largest payroll in the history of the franchise.

As for the team’s hopes for the rest of 2026, it’s unclear if Mattingly can fully right the ship, Gelb said.

“The Phillies have not hit, their reliable rotation has failed them, and the defense has been erratic at best,” he wrote. “Absent a major roster shakeup, the Phillies are banking on a managerial change sparking something.”

What was Don Mattingly like as the Dodgers’ manager?

Mattingly’s five years at the helm in Los Angeles showed marked improvement, though he never won the pennant.

From his first season of 2011, in which the Dodgers had a 82-79 record but finished third in the NL West, Mattingly and the Dodgers only improved.

In 2012, the Dodgers went 86-76 and finished second in the division but missed the playoffs.

In his final three seasons, the Dodgers won the NL West each time and qualified for the postseason, with the best result coming in a NL Championship Series loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2013.

Those three straight division titles were the first time in Dodgers history the feat had been accomplished, per ESPN.

Mattingly stepped down as Dodgers manager in 2015 and was hired a week later by the Miami Marlins.

A familiar name is back in the MLB manager’s chair. The Philadelphia Phillies have named Don Mattingly as their interim manager following the dismissal of Rob Thomson amid a disastrous start to the 2026 season. For Mattingly, it marks a return to a role he knows well, and an opportunity to steady a team in need of direction.

MORE: Phillies spoke to surprise replacement candidate before firing manager Rob Thomson

A Veteran Voice Steps In

Mattingly isn’t a stopgap without credentials. He brings 12 years of MLB managerial experience (2011–2022), along with a reputation for being a steady, respected presence in the clubhouse. That’s exactly what the Phillies are banking on as they try to regroup.

Sometimes, when things spiral early, the solution isn’t talent, it’s leadership. And Mattingly has built a career on providing it.

Proven Track Record in the Dugout

Mattingly’s managerial resume is extensive:

Los Angeles Dodgers (2011–2015)

• 446–363 record
• Three consecutive NL West titles (2013–2015)
• Led the team to three straight playoff appearances

Miami Marlins (2016–2022)

• 443–587 record
• Helped guide a rebuilding franchise through multiple transitions

His crowning achievement came in 2020, when he was named NL Manager of the Year after leading the Marlins to a 31–29 record and a playoff berth during the shortened season.

Plenty of Coaching Experience

Beyond his managerial experience, Mattingly has also been heavily involved in coaching at the big league level:

• New York Yankees (2004–2007): Special assignment coach and bench coach under Joe Torre
• Los Angeles Dodgers (2008–2010): Hitting coach
• Toronto Blue Jays (2023–2025): Bench coach
• Phillies (2026): Bench coach before promotion

His long-standing experience across multiple organizations gives him a unique ability to connect with both veterans and younger players.

Why the Phillies Made the Move

Philadelphia’s slow start forced a decision. Expectations were high, but results weren’t there. By turning to Mattingly, the Phillies are signaling:

• A desire for stability
• A need for accountability
• A belief that leadership can reset the tone

This isn’t just about changing the manager—it’s about changing the direction.

What Comes Next

As interim manager, Mattingly’s job is clear:

• Stabilize the clubhouse
• Maximize a talented roster
• Put the team back on a competitive path

If he succeeds, this “interim” label may not last long. Don Mattingly has been here before. Now, he gets another opportunity to prove he still belongs. And for a Phillies team searching for answers, his experience might be exactly what they need.

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