Why Phillies' Rob Thomson isn't expected to be fired after NLDS elimination

During the 2022 MLB season, the Philadelphia Phillies made one decision that sparked their current playoff and regular-season success. They fired Joe Girardi and replaced him with Rob Thomson after a poor start to the year.

In the seasons since that decision, the Phillies have made it to the playoffs every time, including making it to the World Series and the NLCS once, and at least the NLDS every time.

But, after their NLDS loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025, there are some calls for Thomson to be fired. But, as Jayson Stark of The Athletic mentions, the Phillies aren't likely to move on from Thomson before the 2026 season.

Phillies expected to keep Rob Thomson after 2025 NLDS elimination

There are some reasons why Phillies fans have been calling for Thomson to be fired, with the Bryson Stott bunt decision in Game 2 of the NLDS being one of the more obvious gripes fans have with Thomson's decision-making. Add in some bullpen moves that didn't work out, and it's easy to see why Thomson's name is on the hot seat.

"But this is also the fourth manager in the history of this sport to take his team to the postseason in every one of his first four years on the job." Stark writes. "And it wouldn't be a shock if he were a top-three finisher in the National League Manager of the Year voting. So does he really deserve to be fired - or even eased into a different role?

Firing Thomson would be a reactionary decision from the Phillies' front office and leadership. While Thomson has made some questionable decisions at times over the last four years, he's still led the Phillies to strong years every season.

Also, moving on from Thomson could open the door for a new manager to bring in his own coaching staff, which would further complicate things for the Phillies.

Caleb Cotham, the team's pitching coach, has done a great job in recent years. The Phillies have had stellar starting pitching for multiple years now, and while their bullpen has been shaky, players like Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering have been success stories.

More: Phillies manager Rob Thomson delivers clear message to Orion Kerkering after unforgettable collapse

Kevin Long, the hitting coach, is also deeply ingrained in the Phillies system. He has close ties to Kyle Schwarber, among other players in the lineup. While the offensive approach hasn't been improved in any of the last few years, the regular-season production is solid.

Cutting ties with Thomson would likely lead to the coaching staff undergoing some changes, which isn't something the Phillies are likely to want to do at this point.

With this core, for the most part, locked in through the 2027 MLB season, barring a complete collapse in 2026, Thomson and the coaching staff will likely be around for the next couple of years.

Of course, the ending of the last two years has Thomson firmly on the hot seat, even if he isn't fired this offseason. He and the Phillies need to have a huge 2026 season to heal the wounds from the last few years.

Realistically, only a World Series title would heal the wounds from 2023, 2024, and 2025. Thomson will likely get another chance with the Phillies roster, though Dave Dombrowski and the front office will likely make some changes after the lackluster seasons.

For now, Thomson is expected to remain the Phillies manager, as there seems to be too much at risk in trying to find a new manager with this team.

More Phillies News:

• Matt Strahm blasts MLB analyst after Phillies' NLDS loss
• Phillies' Bryce Harper shows he understands Philadelphia, unlike Nick Castellanos
• Orion Kerkering error, explained: How Phillies' crushing extra-innings gaffe delivered NLDS Game 4 to Dodgers
• Kyle Schwarber gets emotional as free agency looms after Phillies’ NLDS heartbreak
• Phillies' J.T. Realmuto shuts down any free agency talk after loss vs. Dodgers
• Orion Kerkering holds back tears in reaction to Phillies’ season-ending error