Rockies turn to Warren Schaeffer after firing Bud Black in historic slump

The Colorado Rockies are going big after one of the worst starts in MLB history. On May 12, 2025, they recorded just their seventh win of the season but it wasn't enough to keep manager Bud Black or bench coach Mike Redmond on board. Both were let go as the team stands at a staggering 7-33. Former third base coach Warren Schaeffer is the interim manager now, and Clint Hurdle has become the interim bench coach. The Rockies are in dire need of a turnaround.

Warren Schaeffer and Clint Hurdle attempt to steady ship after Bud Black's exit
Following six consecutive losing seasons and a horrific 2025 beginning, the Rockies made the difficult decision to dismiss veteran manager Bud Black.


Bud Black joined the Rockies in 2017 and led the team to the playoffs early in his time with the team, but success dissipated quickly. The final straw was when Colorado fell to 7-33, just shy of the worst start in franchise history.


Warren Schaeffer, who was the third base coach, is now interim manager. He's a younger voice who's worked with the organization's prospects, having managed some of them in Triple-A.


His elevation indicates the team's need to inject new energy and direction. With him, former Rockies manager Clint Hurdle who took the team to its lone World Series appearance in 2007 will be interim bench coach.

The Bud Black era is over in Colorado pic.twitter.com/raxSdVfWK5

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 11, 2025

Those shifts aren't simply superficial. The Rockies are seeking that shakeup in leadership to generate some momentum. The franchise is on its way to losing more than 130 games and no team, modern or not, has managed to do it before.


Just the 2024 White Sox approached it when they lost 119 games, and the Rockies may threaten to break that record should they fail to get back on track.

Warren Schaeffer takes over as Rockies hit a breaking point
Bud Black's 18-year managerial record of 1193-1403 indicates both his longevity and the struggles he's endured. In Colorado, his legacy is bittersweet early postseason runs followed by years of deterioration.


The team's recent struggles were not only about wins and losses but also about developing players, clubhouse momentum, and fan trust.


The front office believed that something had to give. Mike Redmond, Bud Black’s veteran right-hand man, was also released. By adding Warren Schaeffer and Clint Hurdle, the Rockies are combining old hands with new minds.


But this change of direction comes at a tough time. The team has no consistent pitching, is having trouble with timely hitting, and has endured many defensive breakdowns.


The adjustments also indicate that the front office is taking heat. With attendance slipping and fans becoming restless, ownership recognizes it needs to be seen taking action and providing hope.


Whether this new configuration produces more victories is not clear, but the Rockies feel that the addition of a different voice will mark the start of a culture shift.


Also Read: “What A Disgrace”- MLB Fans Angry Over Colorado Rockies’ Humiliating Defeat