The Phillies released long-time skipper Rob Thomson and promoted bench coach Don Mattingly into the interim manager's role. But as he made that change, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski spoke with an old friend about taking over Thomson's job instead. That connection pushed the Phillies boss to offer Cora the manager's job in Philadelphia before pivoting to Mattingly. "In the days after the firing, Cora was offered the Phillies' managerial job by his former Red Sox boss, Dave Dombrowski." But if he does decide to return for next season, the Phillies could be waiting, particularly if Mattingly is unable to drive a deep playoff run.