After spend the past week or so going through the stages of grief and noshing pints of Häagen-Dazs, the Brewers are ready to move on from their ex Craig Counsell and turn the page to someone new. Well, maybe not entirely new, as the team today officially announced bench coach Pat Murphy will be promoted as the Crew's new manager. 

Signed to a new three-year contract, Murphy has served as the Brewers bench coach during most of the Craig Counsell era, joining the staff at that position before the 2016 season. This isn't technically Murphy's first managerial job, as just before joining Milwaukee, he took over as the San Diego Padres interim manager during the 2015 season. 

“Pat Murphy brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and passion for the game of baseball as well as a familiarity with the Brewers organization, players, staff and culture," said Brewers Senior Vice President and General Manager Matt Arnold, in a release. "Pat has been a significant contributor in the run of recent seasons of unprecedented success in franchise history. We are pleased to have Pat remain in the Brewers family and excited to name him manager today."

Murphy will have big shoes to fill, taking over for the winningest manager in franchise history who led the team to its most sustained success ever, making the postseason five of the past six seasons (before he left to manage Those Friggin' Guys). 

Murphy will be joined by a cadre of familiar faces, as the Brewers say that the rest of the team's coaching staff from 2023 is expected to return to Milwaukee next season. Another familiar face joining the staff: Rickie Weeks. After serving as assistant to player development for Milwaukee over the past two years, the former Brewers All-Star second baseman has also been promoted for the 2024 season, joining the dugout as associate manager. 

"Rickie was a hard-nosed, homegrown player for the Brewers for many years and is now a valued member of our coaching staff," said Arnold, in the announcement. "We look forward to him bringing many of the attributes that he possessed as a player into the dugout in his new role."

For more Brewers offseason updates, stay tuned to OnMilwaukee. And to start getting pumped already for next season, take a peek at the 2024 schedule. Maybe circle the games against the Cubs at AmFam Field and clear your schedule those dates. They might be pretty notable games to attend next year. (Cubs fans need not apply.)

And hey, only 88 days until pitchers and catchers report to spring training!