Quentin Eberhardt returning to Tennessee baseball as strength and conditioning coach

Quentin Eberhardt is coming back for a second stint with Tennessee baseball.

The Vols strength and conditioning coach is returning to take on the same role he previously held on coach Tony Vitello's initial staff.

“Honestly, I just missed the family — the UT baseball family," Eberhardt told Knox News on Thursday. "We talked and it was like, 'Hey, this makes sense.' ”

Eberhardt served as the strength and conditioning coach for the first four seasons of Vitello's tenure before he was hired as the head strength and conditioning coach for the Chicago Cubs in December. He praised the Cubs' players, staff and front office, lauding it as a "great organization."

He will start his second round at Tennessee when freshmen arrive in early July.

"We have some unfinished business," Eberhardt said. "The last couple seasons in a row kind of ended bittersweet. … Just having the genuine desire to be great is something that I know everyone is wanting. Just being back there and getting back to work is something I am really looking forward to.”

Vitello decided to wait until following UT's season to fill Eberhardt's role after his departure. He ended up with Eberhardt after conversations in recent weeks.

Tennessee saw significant increases in power numbers at the plate and its strikeout numbers on the mound under Eberhardt. UT hit a program-record 158 homers last season, shattering the previous record of 107.

"You are so proud of the hard work on the daily grind," Eberhardt said. "That is what we talked about day in and day out with those guys, embracing the grind. The game is the reward. Seeing the fruits of their labor pay off, you are proud.”

Vitello has had minimal staff turnover since he was hired in June 2017. Pitching coach Frank Anderson, hitting coach Josh Elander, director of baseball operations Chad Zurcher and video coordinator Sean McCann have been on Vitello's staff throughout his tenure.

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Volunteer assistant coach Ross Kivett departed for Houston following last season. Richard Jackson, who was a student assistant coach, filled the vacancy. 

Before Eberhardt was hired at UT, he spent four seasons as the head strength and conditioning coach for the New Orleans Baby Cakes, the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. He previously worked for four other minor league teams from 2010-12.

Austin Smith filled the role on an interim basis after Eberhardt's departure. 

“God has a plan, I guess, and everything happens for a reason," Eberhardt said. "I felt like it was the best decision for me and the family. It was a great opportunity to come back and get rolling.”

Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.