After a disappointing 2023 season, the Los Angeles Angels decided not to bring back Phil Nevin as manager next year. Nevin took the helm in June 2022 and went 119-149 during his tenure, failing to lead L.A. to its first playoff berth since 2014.
As the Angels search for a new manager, they are believed to be seeking a veteran presence to lead their young roster. Among the candidates so far is former New York Mets skipper Buck Showalter, who has managed in parts of 22 big league seasons.
Another possible option for the Angels’ managerial opening is Darin Erstad, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post:
The Angels are believed to seek a veteran manager to lead their young team. Owner Arte Moreno is said to like Showalter. Angels great Darin Erstad, formerly the head coach at Nebraska, is getting mentioned, too.
Erstad most recently served as the head coach of the University of Nebraska baseball team from 2011-2019. He was rumored to be a candidate for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ managerial search in 2015 before the organization hired Dave Roberts.
During his eight-year stint as head coach, Erstad compiled a 267-193-1 record and led the Cornhuskers to four NCAA tournament appearances. He was named Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2017 after leading Nebraska to the conference championship during the regular season.
Darin Erstad Angels career
Erstad was selected by the Angels with the first overall pick in the 1995 MLB Draft. He played in parts of 11 seasons with the organization and ranks near the top of several franchise records.
Erstad was a one-time recipient of the Silver Slugger Award, two-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove Award winner and World Series champion in 2002.