Report: Don Mattingly nearing deal to become Marlins manager

It doesn’t look like former Dodgers manager Don Mattingly will be unemployed for long. According to a report from Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, Mattingly and the Miami Marlins are nearing a deal that would make Mattingly the club’s third manager in less than a year, replacing Dan Jennings.

Don Mattingly and the Marlins are in serious talks to make him the new manager, and everyone’s expectation is that it will happen.

Mattingly was Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria’s top choice from the start, and sources say the interview Monday went extremely well, with both parties impressed.

The sides have been in talks since, according to sources.

Since Mattingly’s departure from the Dodgers earlier this month, Miami seemed like a logical landing spot for him because of his previous relationship with Jeffrey Loria.

In Miami, Mattingly will have to deal with the meddling Loria along with a front office that is in chaos. Jennings still hasn’t returned to his post of GM because of a shift in power to president of baseball ops Michael Hill and assistant GM Mike Berger. The Marlins were a chic pick to contend in 2015 following a 15-win improvement from 2013 to 2014, but flopped, resulting in manager Mike Redmond’s dismissal and Jennings moving from the front office to the dugout.

Mattingly did a wonderful job at handling the numerous egos in the Dodgers clubhouse during his tenure with the team, but dealing with executive egos is a whole different ballgame.

Best of luck, Donnie – you’ll need it.

[CBS Sports]