The Los Angeles Angels have hired Kurt Suzuki as their new manager, turning to the longtime major league catcher with no professional coaching experience to help turn around a franchise navigating the longest playoff drought in the major leagues.

The Los Angeles Angels have hired Kurt Suzuki, their former catcher, to be their next manager, a high-ranking official told USA TODAY Sports. The person, with direct knowledge of the decision, spoke only on the condition of anonymity since the announcement has not been made public.