Affiliate Bench Coach

Detroit Tigers; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bench Coach with the Detroit Tigers Minor League staff contributes to player development and game preparation, working with the manager, hitting coach, pitching coach, performance staff, and player development leadership to implement individualized plans and ensure consistent instruction.

Two openings exist, one in Lakeland, FL and one in Grand Rapids, MI, with responsibilities including on-field coaching, video review, use of development technologies, travel as directed, and collaboration

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead and manage teams.
• Spanish fluency preferred.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing and executing comprehensive, individualized player plans.
• Provide position-specific defensive instruction to Minor League players.
• Support development plans with drills, video review, and progress tracking.
• Maintain strong communication with manager, coaches, coordinators, trainers, and strength staff.
• Provide on-field support in-game and pre-game (base coaching, fungoes, BP).
• Participate in staff meetings, player evaluations, and organizational development sessions.
• Contribute to practice planning, scheduling, and daily team operations.
• Operate player-development technologies and resources (video systems, tracking tools).
• Prepare opponent game prep information and advance reports.
• Travel as directed to support Tigers Minor League affiliates.

Skills

Leadership

Spanish fluency

Communication

Project management

Job description

Job Summary: The Bench Coach plays a critical supporting role within the Tigers Minor League affiliate coaching staff, contributing to a player’s comprehensive development and game preparation. This position works closely with the manager, hitting coach, pitching coach, performance staff, and player development leadership to ensure players receive consistent, high-quality instruction aligned with the organization’s comprehensive development philosophy. The Bench Coach contributes to practice planning, individualized player plans, technology utilization, and in-game support while helping maintain a positive and professional clubhouse environment. There are two openings, one will be based in Lakeland, FL and the other will be based in Grand Rapids, MI.Key Responsibilities:Assist in the implementation and execution of comprehensive and individualized player plans for Tigers Minor League hitters in collaboration with staff members across multiple disciplinesProvide position-specific defensive instruction to Tigers Minor League players, aiding their on-field developmentSupport individualized comprehensive development plans through regular feedback, drills, video review, and progress trackingMaintain strong communication with the manager, coaches, coordinators, trainers, and strength staff to ensure a unified development approachProvide on-field support both in-game and pre-game, including but not limited to coaching a base, hitting fungoes, throwing BP, etc.Participate in staff meetings, player evaluations, and organizational development sessions, ensuring a comprehensive development approachContribute to practice planning, scheduling, and daily team operationsOperate player-development technologies & resources, including video systems, tracking tools (e.g., Rapsodo, TrackMan, Hawk-Eye), and development toolsPrepare opponent game prep information, advance reports, and opponent tendencies using team-provided systemsTravel as directed from Player Development leadership to provide instruction and support to all Tigers Minor League affiliates, academy, and camps.Minimum Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:Proven ability to lead and manage teamsSpanish fluency preferredUphold organizational culture, values, and standards of professionalism on and off the fieldExceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging across formats and audiencesDemonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detailWorking Conditions:Office and field environmentEvenings, weekend, and holiday hours are requiredAll items listed above are illustrative and not comprehensive. They are not contractual in nature and are subject to change at the discretion of Detroit Tigers.Detroit Tigers is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to that individual’s race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.The Company will strive to provide reasonable accommodations to permit qualified applicants who have a need for an accommodation to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a job interview) if so requested.