Cincinnati Reds Announce the Return of Former Head Coach Brad Mills as Bench Coach
May 12, 2025 – Cincinnati, OH
In a significant move that signals both a nod to the past and a renewed commitment to the future, the Cincinnati Reds have officially announced the return of longtime baseball veteran Brad Mills to their coaching staff. Mills, who previously served as a manager and bench coach in Major League Baseball, will rejoin the Reds as the bench coach under new manager Terry Francona for the upcoming 2025 season.
This move marks a reunion between Mills and Francona, two of the most respected minds in the game, whose professional relationship dates back nearly two decades. The duo previously worked together in successful stints with the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, and most recently, the Cleveland Guardians.
“We are thrilled to welcome Brad Mills back to the dugout,” said Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall in a press release Monday morning. “Brad brings a wealth of experience, unmatched baseball knowledge, and a proven history of leadership that will be instrumental as we build toward our future.”
Mills, 68, stepped away from the game after the 2019 season to spend more time with his family, particularly after the tragic loss of his grandson in 2020. Despite being away from the field, Mills remained connected to the sport in a variety of advisory roles and was often seen attending spring training and scouting events. His return to an active coaching position not only brings valuable experience to the Reds’ staff but also symbolizes a personal and professional resurgence.
“I never closed the door on returning to coaching,” Mills said during a team press conference. “It had to be the right time and the right people—and working with Tito [Francona] again in Cincinnati felt like the perfect situation.”
The move also brings stability and continuity to the Reds’ bench. Mills is known for his calm demeanor, deep understanding of game strategy, and his ability to connect with both veteran players and rising stars. These qualities will be crucial as the Reds look to develop a young core of talent, led by rising stars like Elly De La Cruz, Noelvi Marte, and Hunter Greene.
Terry Francona, who came out of a brief retirement to take the helm of the Reds following the 2024 season, was a strong advocate for Mills’ return. “Brad is more than just a coach to me—he’s a friend, a mentor, and a baseball lifer,” Francona said. “When I accepted the job here, one of the first calls I made was to him. I knew that if we were going to build something special in Cincinnati, I wanted him by my side.”
Mills brings a long resume to the table. A former infielder in the major leagues during the early 1980s, he transitioned to coaching in the 1990s. He managed the Houston Astros from 2010 to 2012 and has served as bench coach under Francona during multiple playoff runs, including Boston’s 2004 World Series championship.
In addition to Mills, the Reds confirmed that Freddie Benavides will remain on staff as the team’s field coordinator and second bench coach. Benavides stepped in as interim manager at the end of the 2024 season following the departure of David Bell and will now work closely alongside both Francona and Mills.
The Reds also announced updates to their broader coaching staff, including the addition of Alex Pelaez and Will Remillard as assistant hitting coaches, and James Keller as bullpen catcher. The new coaching lineup emphasizes a blend of experience and youthful energy—a balance the organization hopes will help guide the club into a new era of competitive baseball.
Fans and analysts alike have responded positively to the news of Mills’ return. Many see it as a stabilizing force for a franchise that has endured several seasons of rebuilding and inconsistency. The leadership dynamic between Francona and Mills—built on mutual trust, complementary styles, and years of shared experience—is expected to have an immediate impact on the clubhouse culture.
“There’s something about seeing those two back together that just feels right,” said former Red Sox pitcher and current MLB Network analyst Tim Wakefield. “They know how to win, and more importantly, they know how to get the best out of players.”
As spring training approaches, the Reds are expected to be a team to watch—not just for their developing roster, but for the experienced minds now guiding them. With Brad Mills back in uniform and the familiar presence of Francona in the dugout, the team is sending a clear message: they’re ready to compete.
Whether or not this coaching reunion leads to postseason success remains to be seen. But for now, the Cincinnati Reds—and their fans—can take heart in knowing that the leadership guiding the team is rooted in experience, unity, and a shared vision ….
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