Maddux, Buechele interview for Rangers' manager position

The interview process is underway in the Texas Rangers’ managerial search.

Pitching coach Mike Maddux and Triple A manager Steve Buechele were the first candidates to be interviewed, the Rangers said Tuesday in a statement.

They are two of the three candidates from within the organization along with interim manager Tim Bogar, who is the favorite to win the job after going 14-8 following the sudden resignation of Ron Washington on Sept. 5.

Maddux said that his day, which covered nearly eight hours, included an in-depth look at the organization. The expected cast of club officials, beginning with general manager Jon Daniels, were involved in the process; however, principal owners Ray Davis and Bob Simpson were not.

“I learned a lot about myself and a lot about the organization and how encompassing the manager’s job is,” Maddux said. “I’m grateful for the interview. I was happy for the opportunity to do it, really.”

Maddux was sought out by the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox for their managerial vacancies after the 2011 season, but he withdrew from consideration to remain close to his daughters, who were attending TCU and SMU.

He hopes to remain as pitching coach if he doesn’t land the top job but understands that the new manager will have the freedom to select his own staff. Maddux’s contract is up at the end of October, but he is likely to stay if Bogar is selected as manager.

Buechele has been a manager in the Rangers’ organization since 2009, when he led then-High A affiliate Bakersfield before jumping to Double A Frisco for the next four seasons and to Round Rock this year.

He played for the Rangers for seven seasons from 1985 to 1991 and ranks second in franchise history for games at third base (835).

Daniels said Sunday that the Rangers would interview “four or five” external candidates, some of whom are on the coaching staffs of playoff teams. He also said that the number could grow if club officials have interest in managers or coaches who they weren’t anticipating becoming available.

Ron Gardenhire was fired Monday as manager of the Minnesota Twins, but the Rangers haven’t indicated if they want to contact him.

Daniels hopes to make a hire before the World Series, which begins Oct. 21. Despite the long list of candidates, including a heavy favorite, Maddux feels like he has a chance to be the Rangers’ next manager.

“You get an interview, you’ve got a chance, right?” he said. “So you’re saying there’s a chance.”

This story was originally published September 30, 2014 at 8:33 PM with the headline "Maddux, Buechele interview for Rangers' manager position."