The Los Angeles Dodgers have been without a manager since announcing on Oct. 22 they mutually agreed to part ways with Don Mattingly after he spent five seasons at the helm.
Under Mattingly the Dodgers won three consecutive National League West division titles for the first time in franchise history, and posted three straight 90-plus win seasons for the first time since 1976-78.
As other clubs across the league filled their respective managerial vacancy, the Dodgers remain the lone team without a skipper in place.
They interviewed Chicago Cubs bench coach Dave Martinez at the General Manager meetings in Boca Raton, Fla., then trimmed their list of candidates down by Friday, just as Dodgers GM Farhan Zaidi indicated would be the case.
While there was some discrepancy as to who the finalists are, it’s believed University of Nebraska head coach Darin Erstad was among them. However, by late Friday evening, it was reported Erstad removed his name from consideration for the Dodgers’ manager job.
On Sunday, the former Angels outfielder expressed gratitude over being considered and provided additional details on the decision to remain at his alma mater:
Humbled to be asked to interview for Dodgers job but Lincoln is where my heart is. Looked my kids in the eyes & knew we needed to stay.
— Darin Erstad (@Dstad17) November 15, 2015
Prior to getting hired as head coach, Erstad served as a volunteer hitting coach at Nebraska during the 2011 season. The Huskers went 29-30, including 15-9 in Big Ten play in his first season leading the team.
In 2014 he guided Nebraska to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2008 with an at-large bid to the Stillwater Regional.
With Erstad’s removal, the Dodgers are believed to be selecting from team director of player development Gabe Kapler, former San Diego Padres manager Bud Black and former Padres bench coach Dave Roberts.
