Durham Bulls announce new manager, coaching staff for 2024

The Durham Bulls will have a new manager for the 2024 season, the team announced on Tuesday. Morgan Ensberg, the former manager of the Tampa Bay Rays' Double-A affiliate Montogomery Biscuits, will lead Durham in the new year, his first head job at the Triple-A level. Last year's manager, Michael Johns, was promoted to first base coach with Tampa Bay in November. The Bulls finished the regular season with an 88-62 record in the only season with Johns as manager, falling just shy of a third-straight International League title.

Enbsberg spent portions of eight seasons in the majors, mostly with the Houston Astros. Ensberg even finished the 2005 seasons as a National League All-Star, hitting 36 home runs.

“We’re excited to welcome an accomplished manager in Morgan Ensberg to the Bulls,” Bulls GM Tyler Parsons said.

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“He brings a wealth of experience, both on the coaching side and as a former player. We have a tremendous legacy of winning and player development here in Durham, and we know Morgan will be up to the challenge.”

Ensberg coached the Biscuits for four seasons, finishing with a 300-224 record, reaching the Southern League playoffs each season.

“The season can’t get here soon enough. I’ve heard great things about the fans, the park, and the city," Ensberg said. “We have incredible players. I love watching them play.”

There will be some continuity with the staff however. Brian Reith will return for his third year as pitching coach and Kenny Hook will return for his second season as hitting coach. Under Reith's guidances, the pitching staff finished third in the International League in ERA (4.56). With Hook as the hitting coach, the Bulls finished fifth in the International League in batting average (.252) and added a franchise record 225 home runs.

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Reinaldo Ruiz will also stay in Durham, serving as bench coach for his fourth season.

Two new coaches are added to the mix as well, with Tyler Ladendorf working as an assistant hitting coach and Brett Ebers working in the bullpen.

The Bulls open the 2024 season on the road against the reigning Triple-A National Champion Norfolk Tides on March 29th. The Tides beat the Bulls in the International League championship series this past September. The Bulls home opener at Durham Bulls Athletic Park is scheduled for Tuesday, April 2 with a series against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.