Hill began his coaching career with theTexas Rangers'Class-ATri-City Triplets in 1984. He coached for theDaytona Beach Islanders in 1985 and 1986, then became a Rangers' roving instructor from 1987 to 1991. In 1992, he became the Rangers' infield and first base coach, holding that post through 1995. He spent three years with theDetroit Tigers from 1997 through 1999, which in 1997 became the first MLB club to go from last to first infielding percentage. He coached theMontreal Expos in 2000 and 2001, then coached theFlorida Marlins from 2002 to 2006.[5] He announced his retirement in March 2007,[6] but returned to coaching in 2009 with thePittsburgh Pirates for one season.[2] The Pirates exercised an option to have Hill coach in 2010, but he declined the team's offer multiple times.[7][8]
Hill was rehired by the Marlins to coach first base and infield for the 2011 season.[9] After not coaching for the team in 2012 under new managerOzzie Guillén,[10] Hill returned to the Marlins in 2013.[11] In 2017, he was named the best infield coach byMLB Network.[12] He stayed in Miami until the end of the 2018 season.[13]
Hill was hired by theSeattle Mariners as their first base and infield coach prior to the 2019 season.[14] He coached remotely in 2020, due to health concerns related to theCOVID-19 pandemic.[15] He stopped being the Mariners' first base coach in 2022, replaced byKristopher Negrón, but remained the team's infield coach.[16]
Several players Hill has coached have credited them with improving their defense. InfielderLuis Castillo gave Hill one of hisGold Glove awards, andDan Uggla andMike Jacobs had Hill's nickname stitched into their gloves.[6]J. P. Crawford said Hill saved his career and helped him win a Gold Glove.[17]
