Knoxville Smokies announce 2026 coaching staff
Lance Rymel enters his third season as manager of the Knoxville Smokies. He helped guide the team to a 69-67 record last season.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The Chicago Cubs helped announce the Knoxville Smokies coaching staff for the 2026 season.
According to a release from the Smokies, Lance Rymel enters his third season as manager of the Knoxville Smokies. He helped guide the team to a 69-67 record last season.
Rymel’s staff comprises former MLB player Joe Dillon as hitting coach, newcomers George Thanopoulos and Jose Zapata as pitching coaches, the return of Derron Davis as bench coach, Joe Curci as player development coach and Nick Roberts and Allen Cooper as head athletic trainer and sport performance coach.
Tickets will be available at the Covenant Health Park box office for the 2026 home opener on Friday, April 3, beginning a three-game series against the Birmingham Barons.
Once available, tickets may be purchased online, at the Covenant Health Park box office or by calling the ticket office at (865) 286-2300.
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