Former Jays' skip Gibbons is Royals' new bench coach
Fired in mid-season by Toronto after five seasons
John Gibbons, the former Toronto Blue Jays' manager fired in June, has been hired by the Kansas City Royals as their bench coach.
Gibbons, 46, was at the Jays' helm for five seasons before being replaced by Cito Gaston. He was 305-305 overall.
"John's recent American League experience as the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays will be a tremendous asset to Trey and the rest of the coaching staff," general manager Dayton Moore said.
A former catcher with the New York Mets, Gibbons had a pair of high-profile clashes while in Toronto — one with infielder Shea Hillenbrand and the other with pitcher Ted Lilly.
The Royals also announced former star Kevin Seitzer will take over as hitting coach from the fired Mike Barnett.
With files from the Associated Press