John Schneider Announces Coaching Change Amid MLB Offseason

The Toronto Blue Jays are parting with a coach after a disappointing year, and general manager Ross Atkins says it is the only staff move so far.

by Xavier Constantino

Nov 10, 2026

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (14)

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Toronto Blue Jays mental performance coach John Lannan will not return to the club’s coaching staff, general manager Ross Atkins said Tuesday, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic.

Atkins added that Lannan’s departure is the only coaching staff change that Toronto has made as of late.

Lannan joined the Blue Jays organization in 2020 as the mental performance coach for Triple-A Buffalo and Single-A Dunedin. The former big league pitcher was promoted to the major league staff ahead of the 2024 season, a move that Atkins announced in January of that year.

The decision comes after an extremely difficult year in Toronto.

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (14)

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The Blue Jays finished with a 79-83 record and in last place in the American League East, missing the postseason after reaching Game 7 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers the year before.

Atkins has long described mental performance work as a key piece of player development across the organization. After this season ended, he said everything needs to be assessed.

Lannan is part of a growing trend in Toronto. Shortstop Bo Bichette and pitcher Chris Bassitt each left last offseason, and the Blue Jays finished last in the majors in home runs this season.

Manager John Schneider remains in place after signing a contract extension in March that runs through 2028.

Toronto should get a boost next season as key bats return from injury. Outfielder Anthony Santander missed the entire 2026 season, and fellow outfielder Addison Barger appeared in only nine games.