Dayton Dragons Announce Coaching Staff for 2026 Season

The Dragons had a tough 2025 season.

Jul 23, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; General view of Cincinnati Reds hat during the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images | Brad Mills-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds' High-A Minor League affiliate, the Dayton Dragons, announced their coaching staff for the 2026 season on Thursday afternoon.

• Julio Morillo - Manager
• Willie Blair - Pitching Coach
• Troy Gingrich - Hitting Coach
• Eric Richardson - Coach
• Gustavo Molina - Coach
• Sam Tedtman - Athletic Trainer
• Dominic Cothern - Strength & Conditioning Coach

They have not announced their Strength & Conditioning Coach for the 2026 season yet.

Julio Morillo is replacing Vince Harrison Jr. as Dayton's manager in 2026. He will be the 13th manager in Dragons history. He managed the Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League in 2025. Last season, Morillo served as a coach with the Louisville Bats and previously managed the Daytona Tortugas.

Willie Blair was Dayton's pitching coach during the 2025 season and will return to the same role in 2026.

Gingrich was Dayton's hitting coach in 2025 and will return to the same role in 2026.

After making the playoffs in 2024, Dayton struggled last season, going 52-76. However, they finished the 2025 season by winning 18 of their final 19 games and setting a new franchise record with 15 straight wins.

The Dayton Dragons open the 2026 season on April 2 at Lansing, with their home opener scheduled for April 7 at 7:05 pm against Lake County at Day Air Ballpark.

You can see the full press release here.

Introducing the Dayton Dragons 2026 Coaching Staff 🐲🔥

Julio Morillo - Manager
Willie Blair - Pitching Coach
Troy Gingrich - Hitting Coach
Eric Richardson - Coach
Gustavo Molina - Coach pic.twitter.com/9UrRWNxKwv

— Dayton Dragons (@DragonsBaseball) January 22, 2026

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