9 great options to replace Tony La Russa as White Sox manager
By Todd Welter
Ozzie Guillen returning to the Chicago White Sox would be a popular pick.
Guillen will always be a beloved figure because of his playing days on the Southside and managing the White Sox to the 2005 World Series Championship.
He is one of the most iconic managers in Chicago sports history. He belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Chicago coaches along with Mike Ditka, Phil Jackson, and Joe Maddon.
Guillen compiled a 678-617 record as the Sox manager between 2004-2011. He also won Manager of the Year in 2005 and the 2008 AL Central Division title.
Guillen also left the Chicago White Sox on not the greatest terms. He feuded with then-general manager and now executive vice president Kenny Williams towards the end of his managing tenure. That feud helped lead to Ozzie’s departure.
Reinsdorf did say in 2017 that Ozzie will never be the White Sox manager because of the bridges he burned. Hahn made sure to announce in 2020 that Guillen was not going to be a candidate to replace Ricky Renteria.
Ozzie is among the most controversial managers in baseball history. He has matured over the years. For example, in a recent spat, Tim Anderson had with some of Ozzie’s comments in Guillen’s current role as Sox postgame analyst, Ozzie took the high road.
He was interviewed by the San Diego Padres last offseason for their open manager position. It is not like Ozzie has forgotten how to manage. His role with NBC Sports Chicago has allowed him to still keep in tune with modern baseball.
If La Russa leaves after the season, the people will once again clamor for the return of Ozzie. The issue will always come down to is has enough time has passed for the burned bridges to be rebuilt? Would Kenny Williams be comfortable with having Ozzie back in the clubhouse?
If the answer is no, do not expect Ozzie to get a second tour of duty as Chicago White Sox manager.