Don Mattingly is stepping away from his role as bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays after a remarkable 2025 season. The team clinched the AL East title, won the ALCS for the first time since 1993, and nearly captured their first World Series championship in 32 years.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Mattingly will not return as the Blue Jays’ bench coach for the 2026 season. Despite this, he has no plans to retire from coaching baseball.
Don Mattingly is leaving the Blue Jays after their World Series run, but he is not planning to retire.
Mattingly, aged 64, may pursue a managerial role in the 2026 season, with some opportunities expected to arise. His time with Toronto brought him close to his first World Series title, as the Blue Jays lost Game 7 to the Dodgers after holding a lead most of the game, until Miguel Rojas hit a ninth-inning game-tying home run.
Joining in November 2022, Mattingly supported manager John Schneider and provided veteran leadership to a roster blending seasoned stars and young talent. Although a World Series championship eluded him, his tenure was marked by significant team achievements.
Author’s summary: Don Mattingly departs as Blue Jays bench coach after a historic season, aiming to continue his baseball career in a manager role in 2026.