Cubs Manager Reshaping Coaching Roles After Two Dismissals

The Chicago Cubs moved on from two of their coaches underneath manager David Ross to start the offseason. They will reportedly reshape the coaching roles heading into 2024.

The Chicago Cubs made some early headlines at the beginning of their offseason when they moved on from two of their coaches.

Chris Young and Craig Driver had been with manager David Ross since he took over that position with the Cubs in 2020.

With Chicago missing the postseason this year, there were statements from the front office about being aggressive to bring changes that will turn this team into a contender for years to come.

The first move was to replace their bullpen and game strategy coaches.

It's still unclear whether or not this was a move forced upon Ross by the front office or if this was something that the manager decided to do on his own.

But, after these changes, Ross is aiming to put together a staff that fits his vision going forward.

Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports, "The organization will look to hire two new coaches, likely one with a catching background and another with a game-planning/pitching background. During his time with the Boston Red Sox, Ross worked with bullpen coaches who had catching backgrounds ... so he wouldn’t be averse to a similar setup."

According to his article, one of things that prompted this change was that the Cubs' young relievers who were called up "didn’t seem to understand how to best prepare for the daily grind of performing at the highest level."

More young pitchers are expected to be in the mix for Chicago in the coming years, so getting someone in place who can help these players develop is crucial.

Sharma also reports, "The Cubs will look at internal candidates but will also interview outside voices, which may be the most likely outcome — they’re looking for diverse ideas and skill sets that the coaching staff doesn’t currently have."

Ross has the backing of the front office and ownership right now.

They made that very clear after the season.

But with the manager bringing in two new coaches to work underneath of him, that will put these hirings under a microscope and be a reflection on his overall decision making.

Ross heads into the final year of his contract in 2024 with an option for the 2025 season.