Chipper Jones picked up a win in his managerial debut at the All-Star Futures Game, guiding the National League prospects to a 4-2 victory over the American League. Not a bad way to kick things off for the Hall of Famer. One game, one win, 1.000 career managerial record — not too shabby.
And of course, the moment Chipper sat down with Atlanta’s 680 The Fan, the question came up: would he ever want to manage the Braves?
Let’s pump the brakes.
Chipper Has a Bigger Job Right Now
There’s no doubt Chipper Jones still bleeds Braves baseball. He loves the uniform, he loves being around the guys, and he clearly hasn’t lost his instincts. But managing? On a full-time, grind-it-out, travel-every-week level? Not happening. Not now.
“The lure of Atlanta Braves baseball, wearing the uniform, and being around the fellas is real — I dig it. I love it,” Jones said. “But ultimately, I made promises when I retired that I would be a better dad. A better husband. I’m not going to renege on that.”
And that’s where the real story is. The version of Chipper who could go 3-for-4 with a couple RBIs and a bomb over the wall in left? He’s proud of that guy. But the version of Chipper who wakes up and shows up for his family every day? That’s the one he’s not willing to sacrifice — not even for baseball.
“You gotta push all the chips in,” he added. “You have to be completely and totally dedicated to that job, and you have to make sacrifices, and the family has to make sacrifices, and I don’t think I would do the job justice.”
Chipper Coaching? Sure. Managing? Not So Fast.
Jones admitted he’d make a solid hitting coach. And who would argue with that? One of the most cerebral hitters of his generation, a switch-hitter who made it look easy. However, the time commitment required for coaching or managing doesn’t align with his current life situation.
“I like this version of Chipper a lot better than that version,” he said — and that’s not coming from nostalgia. That’s coming from a guy who’s living the life he promised himself and his family.
GM Dreams Without the Spotlight
Now, there is one role Chipper would love — and it doesn’t involve wearing cleats. His dream gig? Assistant general manager.
“I’m not the guy out in front talking to the media, day in and day out, about the play or the moves of the organization,” Jones said. “But I still have a say behind the scenes, which is really cool.”
That’s the sweet spot. Less travel, more input, and none of the daily media pressure that comes with being the face of the franchise. It’s a job that lets him stay close to the game without sacrificing the life he’s built post-retirement. Still, he admits even that role would come with some tough lifestyle trade-offs — just not the same ones you get from coaching 162 games a year.
Still All In — Just Not From the Dugout
So while fans might dream of seeing No. 10 back in Braves gear, calling the shots in the dugout, Chipper’s already living out the role that matters most to him. That doesn’t mean he’s disconnected — far from it. He’s just calling plays on a different field now.
A perfect managerial record? Check. A desire to lead? Definitely. But a willingness to sacrifice life off the field to do it? Not today — and maybe not ever.
