ARLINGTON -- Rangers farm director Jayce Tingler was the first candidate to be interviewed for their managerial opening.
The Rangers also interviewed Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde and Astros bench coach Joe Espada this week as they begin the search for a replacement for Jeff Banister.
Tingler just finished his 12th season with the Rangers and interviewed for the job on Tuesday. He has served as a Minor League manager, field coordinator and Major League coach before taking his current job as assistant general manager and farm director.
Hyde, who interviewed on Thursday, managed in the Marlins' organization from 2005-09 before becoming their Minor League field coordinator. He has since worked as a Major League coach for the Marlins and Cubs.
Espada also has roots in the Marlins' organization as a Minor League hitting coasch in 2006-07 and then as Minor League coordinator. He was the Marlins' third-base coach from 2010-13. He was a coach with the Yankees before becoming the Astros' bench coach this past season.
Tingler and Hyde interviewed in person. Espada did his interview by phone on Thursday as the Astros are getting ready for the American League Championship Series against the Red Sox.
The Rangers are still finalizing the list of candidates they want to interview. Interim manager Don Wakamatsu is also expected to be considered.
The Rangers' job came open when Banister was dismissed after four seasons, which included American League West Division titles in 2015-16. The Rangers are among six teams looking for a manager, along with Angels, Twins, Reds, Blue Jays and Orioles.
The Rangers have issued no timetable for naming a manager. They have tentatively planned their annual organizational meetings for Oct. 22-25 in Surprise, Ariz., and the Major League General Manager Meetings are Nov. 6-8 in California.
There is a possibility that certain candidates could be brought back for a second round of interviews.