Mariners fire manager Dan Wilson after 'very difficult' season

The Seattle Mariners have fired manager Dan Wilson, 57, after a season the team fell short of expectations, ESPN reported. Wilson told reporters on Sunday that he would not return to the role next year.

Wilson guided the Mariners to the American League Championship Series the previous season, but Seattle was unable to build on that success this year. In comments to reporters, Wilson described the campaign as 'very difficult,' adding that the results 'have not been what any of us had expected.'

The decision ends Wilson's tenure at the helm of the club following a season that did not match the postseason run that preceded it. The Mariners have not yet named a timeline for a managerial search or announced potential candidates to replace him.

Seattle's front office is expected to face questions in the coming weeks about the direction of the roster heading into next season, as the team looks to rebound from a year that fell short of the high bar set by its previous playoff appearance.