The Orioles’ coaching carousel is finally starting to settle, and one familiar face is sticking around for the ride. Buck Britton, who stepped into the third base coach role midseason, is officially shedding the “interim” tag and will return in that position for 2026. It’s a well-earned nod for a guy who’s been grinding his way through the Orioles’ system for years – first as a player, then as a rising coaching talent.
Britton began 2025 with a more ambiguous title – “major league coach” – a role that often serves as a utility spot on a staff, helping out wherever needed. But when the Orioles made a major shakeup by firing manager Brandon Hyde, it set off a domino effect.
Tony Mansolino, then the third base coach, was bumped up to interim manager, and Britton slid into the third base coaching box. Mansolino eventually interviewed for the full-time manager role, but the job went to Craig Albernaz.
Mansolino has since moved on, joining Atlanta’s coaching staff, while Britton stays put in Baltimore.
At 39, Britton brings a unique blend of experience and familiarity to the Orioles’ dugout. He’s not just a coaching lifer – he’s also a former player who knows this organization inside and out. The older brother of former All-Star closer Zack Britton, Buck spent the bulk of his playing career in the Orioles’ minor league system from 2008 to 2016, with late stops in the Dodgers and Twins organizations before hanging up his cleats.
But it didn’t take long for him to transition into coaching. By 2017, he was already back in the fold, this time as a hitting coach for the Orioles’ Class-A affiliate.
Just a year later, he was managing that same team. Britton kept climbing – managing at the Double-A and Triple-A levels – and earning respect along the way for his leadership, baseball acumen, and ability to connect with players.
That steady progression finally led him to the big league staff in 2025, and now, with the interim label removed, he’s got a more defined role heading into a pivotal season for the Orioles. He’ll be part of a revamped coaching staff that’s blending fresh voices with internal continuity. That group includes pitching coach Drew French, pitching strategy coach Ryan Klimek, and a slate of new hires: Donnie Ecker (bench coach), Dustin Lind (hitting coach), Miguel Cairo (infield coach), and Jason Bourgeois (first base/outfield coach).
For Britton, this is more than just a new title – it’s a continuation of a journey that’s been years in the making. With his deep ties to the organization and a résumé that’s already packed with managerial experience, he’s not just a coach to watch in 2026 – he’s a name to keep in mind for future managerial openings down the road.
