Detroit Tigers manager AJ Hinch stated that he wanted to keep his coaching staff intact for a long time after this young group made a magical run to the American League Division Series, and given that the future looks as bright as it has in a long time. That feeling is understandable.

But there was a chance that the skipper’s wish would have ended almost as quickly as it began.

Bench coach George Lombard was considered for the open managerial job with the Tigers’ division rival, Chicago White Sox, but it was later reported that he was no longer in the running as they moved closer to making their decision.

Now that opening has officially been filled according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, as sources tell him the White Sox will hire Texas Rangers associate manager Will Venable.

Venable was selected in the seventh round of the 2005 MLB draft after being a two-sport athlete at Princeton University. After graduating, he turned pro in baseball and began his career with the San Diego Padres organization before making his Major League debut in 2008.

The outfielder had a nine-year career with three different teams and played in 967 games, slashing .249/.315/.404 with 81 home runs and 307 RBI.

After his playing days following the 2016 season, he was named special assistant to former Chicago Cubs president Theo Epstein before beginning his coaching career as first base coach in 2018.

Now Venable gets his first MLB management job in the city of Chicago.

As for Detroit, Hinch gets his wish.

His coaching staff will remain together heading into next year as the Tigers look to build on what they accomplished last season.