Danny Lehmann Emerges as Top Contender for Braves Manager Job, Per Report: A Dodgers Bench Coach with Deep Ties.vc

ATLANTA — Three weeks into their managerial search following Brian Snitker’s emotional departure on October 21, 2025, the Atlanta Braves are reportedly down to a trio of finalists, with Los Angeles Dodgers bench coach Danny Lehmann surging as the frontrunner, according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. Lehmann’s candidacy has “seemingly strengthened over the past couple weeks,” per Bowman, bolstered by his longstanding relationship with Braves president Alex Anthopoulos, forged during their overlapping Dodgers tenure from 2016-17. The other contenders: Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty and Tigers bench coach George Lombard. With the Dodgers set to battle the Blue Jays in the World Series starting Friday, Lehmann’s role could delay an announcement until November, as the Braves prioritize a thorough evaluation.

Early Favorites Fizzle: Ross, DeRosa, Gibbons, and Weiss Out

The search’s early buzz—David Ross’ expressed interest, Mark DeRosa’s name in whispers, and John Gibbons’ shared history with Anthopoulos in Toronto and Atlanta—has evaporated, as Bowman confirmed “no indication” of their serious consideration. A September Auburn football game sighting of Ross, DeRosa, and Snitker was just a nostalgic reunion, not a signal of intent. Gibbons, a former Blue Jays skipper, is explicitly not a candidate, though speculation lingers on him as a potential bench coach hire. Internal option Walt Weiss, Atlanta’s 2016-18 manager, also appears sidelined, as the Braves seek a fresh voice after Snitker’s folksy, player-friendly style couldn’t overcome a 75-84 collapse plagued by injuries and a .225 RISP average.

This pruning reflects GM Alex Anthopoulos’ methodical approach, prioritizing tactical innovation over nostalgia in a year that exposed pitching depth issues (3.89 ERA, 22nd in MLB) and bullpen overload (46 arms used). “Things change fast—early favorites vanished overnight,” ChiCitySports noted, echoing the Auburn “reunion” that was mere camaraderie.”>21</argument </grok:

The Frontrunners: A Youthful Trio with Analytics and Ties

The Braves’ shortlist—Flaherty, Lehmann, and Lombard—signals a generational shift, all first-time MLB managers under 51 with bench experience on playoff teams and analytical fluency. Each brings at least three years as a right-hand man, ensuring tactical sharpness without disrupting the “Braves Way.”

• Danny Lehmann (Dodgers Bench Coach, 40): The surging favorite, Lehmann’s Dodgers tenure since 2015—video coordinator to game-planning coach to bench coach under Dave Roberts—has yielded two World Series rings (2020, 2024) and a third bid against Toronto. His 2016-17 overlap with Anthopoulos as advance video scout has kept lines open, as Bowman noted: “The two have remained in contact over the years.” Roberts raves about Lehmann’s “crazy bandwidth” for information, ideal for translating analytics to in-game decisions. The World Series delay aligns with his frontrunner status, as ChiCitySports observes: “The longer the wait, the more likely it’s Lehmann.”
• Ryan Flaherty (Cubs Bench Coach, 39): A 2018 Brave under Snitker, Flaherty’s Cubs role since 2024 has fueled a 92-win resurgence, and his 2022 interim stint with the Padres (4-3) offers managerial taste. He’s a finalist for San Diego’s vacancy, as Jon Heyman noted: “He seems ready… should look for a managerial job somewhere.” Flaherty’s analytics and player development chops make him a “safe evolution,” but his shorter coaching track raises eyebrows.
• George Lombard (Tigers Bench Coach, 50): The Atlanta native and 1998-99 Brave, Lombard’s Tigers tenure under A.J. Hinch since 2021 has yielded a 90-win turnaround, and he’s interviewed for multiple gigs. His scouting roots and 1997-2000 MLB career add gravitas, positioning him as the “best fit” for continuity. “Lombard’s roots run deep,” an X fan posted.

The trio’s youth (average age 43) and playoff pedigrees—Flaherty with Counsell’s innovators, Lehmann with Roberts’ dynasty, Lombard with Hinch’s tacticians—promise sharp decision-making for a roster facing Acuña trade whispers and pitching woes. “It’s a youth movement with smarts,” ChiCitySports opined.

The Timeline Twist: World Series Delay Favors Lehmann

Lehmann’s Dodgers duties—bench coach for their Blue Jays series—could postpone interviews until the WS ends (projected November 2), as Bowman noted: “Lehmann’s candidacy could lead to the Braves waiting into November.” Flaherty and Lombard are immediately available, but the delay tilts toward Lehmann, as Battery Power observed: “Each passing day makes Lehmann more likely.” X speculation runs hot: “AA’s waiting on Lehmann—smart play,” one user with 1.5K likes posted.

Why It Matters: A Youthful Hire for a Veteran Rebuild

This trio’s average age of 43 signals a generational pivot from Snitker’s 69-year-old tenure, injecting analytics and energy into a roster of 20s/30s stars (Acuña, Riley, Olson) scarred by 2025’s pitching injuries and bullpen overload. Lehmann’s Dodgers pedigree and Anthopoulos bond make him the “perfect partner,” as The Sporting News dubbed it, while Flaherty’s Snitker overlap and Lombard’s local roots offer continuity. The delay allows a full vetting, but fans grow impatient: “Hire now or lose momentum,” one X thread with 2K likes urged.

The carousel’s churn—Angels to Kurt Suzuki, Giants to Tony Vitello—highlights the Braves’ deliberate pace, but with free agency looming and trade whispers (Acuña, Murphy), time is of the essence. Expect fireworks by mid-November.