CINCINNATI — The Reds announced on Thursday that Derek Johnson would not return as their pitching coach for the 2027 season.
Johnson took a personal leave of absence from the club in June and did not resume his duties for the remainder of the 2026 season. Assistant pitching coach Matt Tracy filled in for Johnson.
Citing privacy issues amid multiple inquiries made during the season, the Reds never revealed the reason for why Johnson left the club.
Johnson, 55, was under contract for next season. Baseball operations president Nick Krall declined to elaborate beyond a statement he made via a release from the club.
“Derek Johnson took a personal leave of absence in June of this year and will not be returning. We wish Derek and his family the best. A search for a new pitching coach will begin immediately," Krall's statement said.
Following three years as the Brewers' pitching coach, Johnson was hired as the Reds' pitching coach on Nov. 2, 2018, shortly after David Bell was named as the club's manager. Ahead of the 2022 season, Johnson also assumed the role as the organization's director of pitching and he remained with current manager Terry Francona when Bell was dismissed before the end of the 2024 season.
The Reds’ pitching staff sank from 12th in ERA in 2025 (3.86) to 28th (4.83) in '26, and while Chase Burns emerged as the rotation ace this season, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Rhett Lowder and Brandon Williamson endured injuries and struggles while Andrew Abbott had a regression from his All-Star year last season. Brady Singer, who made every start the past two seasons, also had a down year.
Tracy and bullpen coach Oscar Marin have already interviewed for the vacancy to replace Johnson.
“We’re going to have some external interviews as well," Krall said. “I’d like to get it done as soon as possible, but we’re not going to rush it.”
It appeared unlikely that the Reds would hire a new director of pitching.
"We’re going to work through the pitching coach role and then we’re going to work through the rest of the department as well," Krall said.
Assistant hitting coach Will Remillard was also dismissed after two seasons with the club. The team will also be searching for his replacement.
Krall said that the rest of Francona's coaching staff is expected to return.
Other news
Center fielder Dane Myers, who had multiple collisions with the wall this season, underwent surgery to clean up the AC joint in his left shoulder. It was not considered a serious procedure.
Utility player Spencer Steer underwent surgery on Wednesday in Arizona to repair a torn tendon sheath in his right wrist.
It was not immediately known if Myers or Steer would be ready for the start of the Spring Training next year.
"By the season, they should be close," general manager Brad Meador said.
Infielder/outfielder Ivan Johnson was sent outright to Triple-A Louisville, which brought the 40-man roster to 38 players.