In a surprising and emotional decision, the Seattle Mariners have officially parted ways with longtime catching coach and franchise icon Dan Wilson. The move, announced by the club early Tuesday morning, ends Wilson’s nearly decade-long coaching tenure and brings to a close a significant chapter in Mariners history. The team has already begun its search for a new catching coach as it looks ahead to the 2025 season.
“After much consideration, the Mariners and Dan Wilson have mutually agreed to part ways,” the organization said in a statement. “Dan has been a vital part of our team, both as a player and coach, and we thank him for his many years of service and dedication to the Mariners organization.”
Wilson, 55, first joined the Mariners coaching staff in 2014, bringing a wealth of experience from his successful 12-year MLB career, including 11 seasons in Seattle. A fan favorite and respected clubhouse presence, Wilson was instrumental in developing young catchers, mentoring talent such as Cal Raleigh and Tom Murphy, and helping shape the defensive foundation behind the plate.
His departure comes at a time when the Mariners are re-evaluating their coaching structure following a disappointing end to the 2024 season. Despite a talented roster, Seattle narrowly missed the playoffs, prompting internal discussions on how to better support player development and elevate performance in key areas.
While no specific reason was provided for the split, sources within the organization suggest the move was part of a broader effort to “refresh the coaching dynamic” and bring in new voices to support the next generation of Mariners talent.
“Dan Wilson is a Seattle legend,” said Mariners manager Scott Servais. “He brought incredible knowledge, leadership, and stability to our catching staff. This wasn’t an easy decision, but sometimes change is necessary to move forward. We thank Dan for everything and wish him nothing but the best.”
Wilson himself issued a brief but heartfelt statement through the Mariners.
“I’ve been incredibly blessed to spend most of my baseball life with the Seattle Mariners,” Wilson wrote. “From my playing days to the coaching staff, this organization has always felt like home. I’m grateful for the relationships, memories, and opportunities I’ve had here. While this chapter ends, I look forward to what the future holds—for both myself and the Mariners.”
Fans have reacted with mixed emotions. While many understand the team’s desire to shake things up, Wilson’s deep connection to the franchise makes his departure especially bittersweet.
“This one hurts,” one fan wrote on social media. “Dan Wilson was part of the soul of this team. I grew up watching him catch. He taught our guys how to play the right way. He’ll always be a Mariner.”
Another fan echoed that sentiment: “Change is part of sports, but Dan Wilson deserved a statue, not a send-off. Respect to him forever.”
Wilson’s legacy in Seattle extends well beyond the dugout. During his playing career, he was known for his quiet leadership, strong defensive presence, and chemistry with legendary pitchers like Randy Johnson and Jamie Moyer. Off the field, he has remained active in community work, charity events, and youth development programs.
As the Mariners begin their search for a new catching coach, several candidates are reportedly being considered from both within and outside the organization. Developmental coordinators from Triple-A Tacoma and former MLB catchers with ties to Seattle are rumored to be under review.
While Dan Wilson’s coaching tenure has come to an end, his legacy as one of the most beloved figures in Mariners history remains untouched. Whether he returns to baseball in another capacity or takes time away from the game, one thing is clear: Seattle will always consider Dan Wilson one of its own.