Miami Marlins will have 'eclectic group' of managerial candidates

The group will not make a ton of sense until the final hire is made. Miami is expected to conduct a lengthy search before hiring its next manager, and according to ESPN's Jim Bowden, the Marlins will have an "eclectic group of managerial candidates."

After informing Dan Jennings he would not have an opportunity to manage the team next season, the Marlins quickly started interviewing potential candidates. Larry Bowa, Bo Porter and Manny Acta have all been linked to the job, and the club reportedly interviewed Phil Nevin, who manages Arizona's Triple-A affiliate, last Thursday.

Alex Cora is another candidate being considered, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. Cora does have managerial experience in Puerto Rico and is currently serving as an analyst. He also spent 14 seasons in the majors and might be intrigued by the possibility of managing in Miami.

While the Marlins will likely be sure interview each candidate they are interested in, Don Mattingly continues to be linked to the job. According to Bowden, the Marlins are waiting to determine how the Dodgers move forward before hiring their next manager.

If the Dodgers opt to fire Mattingly, he might be considered the favorite to take the Marlins job. However, if they decide to retain him, the Marlins will be forced to explore other options.

Although the Marlins are known to be seeking an experienced candidate, the favorite, after Mattingly, might not necessarily have a notable amount of experience. Nevin is well-respected but lacks major league managerial experience and Cora does not have any coaching experience in a MLB dugout either.

Porter, Acta and Bowa do all have experience, however the amount of interest the Marlins have in each is unclear. If the Marlins become open to considering an inexperienced candidate, Mike Lowell and Jeff Conine could also be connected.

Miami is rightfully conducting multiple interviews with various candidates. But if adding Mattingly is the main goal, the Marlins are stuck until Los Angeles' playoff run comes to an end.