Phillies Shake Up Coaching Staff as Kevin Long and Bobby Dickerson Depart

The Philadelphia Phillies announced on Wednesday morning that manager Don Mattingly would be coming back next season, but he will have some new coaches on his staff.

End of an Era: Kevin Long and Bobby Dickerson Out in Philadelphia

According to Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia, the team is moving on from longtime hitting coach Kevin Long and infield coach Bobby Dickerson.

Looking Back at the Tenure of Long and Dickerson

Long was hired at the start of the 2022 season, joining Joe Girardi's staff. In addition to the Phillies, he has spent time in the same role with the Yankees, Mets and Nationals. Phillies fans have long been frustrated with Long, and have wondered why the team hasn't brought in a different hitting coach to change the hitting philosophy.

He had been the hitting coach in Washington and previously worked with Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner while with the Nationals.

Dickerson is another long time coach, coming to Philadelphia after the 2021 season, working with the Orioles, Padres and Phillies in various roles.

The Phillies had some of the worst defensive metrics in baseball this season.

Interestingly enough, Mattingly had two big name hitting coaches during his managerial tenures, in Miami he had Barry Bonds and in LA with the Dodgers, he had Mark McGwire.

What's Next? Dave Dombrowski Set to Address the Media

Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski will speak to the media on Thursday morning at 10:30 (we will air it on The Sports Bash at 2:20), and will likely be asked about Long, Dickerson, and of course Mattingly's return to the team.