Nashville Sounds Announce 2026 Field Staff

Photo / Nashville Sounds / Manager Rick Sweet

By David Oglesby

NASHVILLE, TN – The Nashville Sounds have officially announced their field staff for the 2026 season, with Rick Sweet returning as manager for his seventh season, and sixth consecutive year. Sweet holds the record for the most wins in the franchise's history, boasting a career record of 484 wins and 379 losses, which places him among the top minor league managers in terms of all-time victories.

Sweet’s staff features a wealth of experience, with a combined 26 years at the Triple-A level within the Milwaukee Brewers organization. Key members of the coaching staff include Tyler Thornburg and Bryan Leslie as pitching coaches, Tim Doherty and Zack Jones overseeing hitting, and David Tufo taking on the role of bench coach.

“I'm very excited to bring an experienced group of coaches back to Nashville this season,” Sweet commented. His return reflects the organization’s focus on effective player development and competitive performance.

As Sweet enters his 36th season as a minor league manager, he has a demonstrated history of success, having led teams to several first-place finishes and postseason appearances. His career totals include over 2,400 wins, positioning him near the top of the all-time wins list in minor league history.

Thornburg, making his debut as a coach at the Triple-A level, previously served as an associate coach for Double-A Biloxi. He brings a wealth of playing experience to the role, having pitched for the Sounds between 2012 and 2013 and played in the majors with the Brewers and other teams.

Leslie returns for another season after helping the Sounds achieve the third-best overall ERA in Triple-A last year, indicating a strong pitching strategy. Both Doherty and Jones also return to continue their work with the batting lineup.

The coaching staff's previous success includes record-breaking accomplishments, such as the Sounds setting a franchise record for stolen bases last season. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, they are aiming to build on these achievements.

The Nashville Sounds will begin their 2026 season with a home opener on March 31 against the Charlotte Knights at First Horizon Park. Club officials say fans can look forward to an engaging season as the team progresses under the experienced leadership of Sweet and his staff. For ticket information, visit their website - www.nashvillesounds.com.