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Reds pitching coach Johnson out after 8 years in huge change

Dustin Judge
Reds pitching coach search: Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati viewed from behind home plate

The Cincinnati Reds’ pitching coach for the past eight seasons, Derek Johnson, will not return after taking a personal leave of absence in June, the club announced Thursday. The Reds pitching coach search starts right away, president of baseball operations Nick Krall said, according to MLB.com.

Johnson, 54, joined Cincinnati before the 2019 season after three years as the Milwaukee Brewers’ pitching coach. The Reds added director of pitching to his duties before the 2022 season, MLB.com reported.

“We wish Derek and his family the best. A search for a new pitching coach will begin immediately,” Krall said in a statement.

Why the Reds pitching coach is leaving

Johnson stepped away from the team on a personal leave of absence in early June with no timetable for a return. The Reds have not publicly shared the reasons for his leave or for the decision that he will not come back.

With no acting pitching coach named, the Reds split Johnson’s work among the staff, FOX19 reported in June. Assistant pitching coach Matt Tracy took over pregame work with the starters and mound visits, bullpen coach Oscar Marin took on a bigger role with the whole staff and advance scouting coordinator Kyle Arnsberg moved to the bench to chart pitches.

“They’ve done a really good job. Really good,” manager Terry Francona told FOX19 at the time.

What it means for Cincinnati

The Reds finished the 2026 regular season 75-87, fifth in the National League Central, according to ESPN. That came one year after Cincinnati clinched a postseason berth in Francona’s first season as manager.

Johnson held two roles, pitching coach and director of pitching, and the Reds will need to cover both. Making the move now, with the season over, gives the front office the full offseason to find his replacement before spring training. The new hire will inherit a staff that includes young right-hander Chase Burns.

What’s next for the Reds pitching coach search

Krall said the search for a new pitching coach begins immediately. The club has not named candidates or a timeline. For more on the club, follow our MLB news coverage.

Reporting from MLB.com and FOX19 contributed to this story.

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.