Former Padres manager Andy Green named Cubs' bench coach

When he was hired as the Cubs' manager in late October, David Ross acknowledged his lack of experience and stressed the significance of adding a battle-tested bench coach to his staff.

"It's going to be important that my bench coach is one step ahead of me until I get that feel back," Ross said.

Six weeks after being hired to replace Joe Maddon, Ross has an experienced bench coach in Andy Green.

The Cubs announced their major league coaching staff Monday at the winter meetings in San Diego.

In addition to Green, new faces include first base/catching coach Craig Driver, quality assurance coach Mike Napoli and bullpen coach Chris Young.

Tommy Hottovy returns for his second season as the Cubs' pitching coach and Anthony Iapoce is back for his second year as hitting coach.

The Cubs' first-base coach in 2018-19, Will Venable moves to third base next season.

Green managed the Padres the last four seasons and was 274-366. He was fired with one week left in the 2019 season and two years left on his contract.

Before joining San Diego, Green was the Diamondbacks' third-base coach in 2015. He also managed in Arizona's minor league system from 2011-14.

Driver was the Phillies' bullpen catcher/coach the last two seasons.

Napoli retired in 2017 after playing 12 major league seasons with the Angels, Rangers, Red Sox and Indians.

Ross and Napoli were Boston teammates in 2013-14.

Young was the Phillies' pitching coach last season and assistant pitching coach in 2018.