DENVER — The Colorado Rockies have decided to make significant changes in their coaching staff after a disappointing start to the 2025 season, announcing the dismissal of manager Bud Black and bench coach Mike Redmond. Warren Schaeffer, formerly the team’s third base coach, will take over as the interim manager, while hitting coach Clint Hurdle, an ex-Rockies manager, will serve as Schaeffer’s bench coach for the remainder of the year.
“Given the way we have performed this season, it was necessary to make tough decisions,” Rockies owner Dick Monfort stated in a press release. “Our fans expect better, and we know we can deliver. While everyone shares accountability for the current situation, these changes are a step towards revitalizing our organization. We fully intend to use the rest of this season to assess our operations and implement improvements.”
The Rockies’ recent 9-3 victory against the San Diego Padres pushed their record to a bleak 7-33, a pace that raises concerns about approaching the record for the most losses in a season, set by the Chicago White Sox just a year ago. Given this context, the coaching shakeup comes as little surprise for a franchise known for its loyalty to personnel.
This season marks Black’s 18th year managing in the majors, having previously worked nine seasons with both the San Diego Padres and the Rockies. Throughout his career, he has only seen winning records in four of those years, ending with a 1,193-1,403 overall record. While statistics paint a challenging picture, assessing his effectiveness as a manager is complicated, as the issues plaguing the Rockies are multifaceted.
Black joined the Rockies in 2017, a time when the franchise was experiencing relative success, culminating in playoff appearances during his initial seasons. However, the team has struggled mightily since then, now facing its seventh consecutive losing season. In fact, the Rockies just concluded two of their worst seasons ever, dropping 103 games in 2023 and 101 games in 2024.
Speculation regarding Black’s future arose after last season, but in October 2024, the team announced they had extended his contract for another year. Notably, this contract arrangement was unique, as it was perceived to operate on a rolling basis. The delay in announcing the extension may have signaled underlying tensions, especially as Black had received prior extensions in March of the two previous seasons.
With the current state of affairs, the Rockies are hoping that this management overhaul can breathe new life into the team. The organization is eager to turn things around, focusing on evaluating all aspects of their operations as they approach the future. As interim leaders, Schaeffer and Hurdle have their work cut out for them in an effort to stabilize a team that has been in turmoil for far too long.
Further developments in the Rockies’ strategy will unfold as the season proceeds, with fans hoping for a turnaround that has remained elusive for several years.