Williams leaving A's to manage in Korea

October 15th, 2019

OAKLAND -- The A’s will have to find a new third-base coach for the upcoming season.

Matt Williams has accepted a job in Korea to manage the Kia Tigers of the KBO League. Oakland’s former third-base coach will receive a three-year deal, according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.

Williams, 53, spent the last two seasons not only coaching third for the A’s, but he also served as a resource for the group of infielders who made up one of the best defenses in baseball. This will be Williams’ first managerial opportunity since a two-year stint with the Nationals from 2014-15 that saw him earn National League Manager of the Year honors in his first season.

This might not be the only departure from A’s manager Bob Melvin’s coaching staff this offseason. Quality-control coach Mark Kotsay and bench coach Ryan Christenson also are expected to garner interest for vacant manager openings around Major League Baseball.