Ex-Yankees manager Joe Girardi explains turning down Reds, talks future

Former Yankees manager Joe Girardi explains why he turned down Reds’ job and discusses his future.

GARDEN CITY, N.Y. — Former Yankees manager Joe Girardi isn’t exactly sure what he wants in his next job, but he knows he wasn’t ready yet.

Girardi said he pulled himself out of the Reds’ managerial search despite reportedly being their top pick because he wants to see what opens after the 2019 season.

“I just decided that I was going to broadcast another year and spend another year with my family, wait to see what opportunities are presented next year and go from there. Thought I had good interviews but I just decided I’m going to wait,” Girardi said while signing autographs for fans who appears at Steiner Sports at the Roosevelt Mall on Saturday morning.

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Girardi, who also interviewed with the Rangers, said he’s open to all types of roles.

“Whether it’s a team that’s rebuilding or it’s a team that’s in the middle (of a rebuild), it doesn’t matter to me,” he said. “I just felt like it wasn’t the right time.”

The Yankees let the 54-year-old’s four-year, $16-million contract expire after he steered them to Game 7 of the American League Championship Series in 2017. Girardi had wanted to keep his post.

New manager Aaron Boone led the Yankees to 100 regular-season wins and a Wild Card Game victory before the Red Sox bounced them in the AL Division Series.

Girardi said getting to spend time with his family after 10 years helming the Yankees has been “wonderful” and that he’s enjoyed his role as an MLB Network TV analyst.

“You feel like you’re part of a team,” he said. “The time with my family has been tremendous. Had a chance to coach my son, see him win a state title. Make up for some lost time with my oldest daughter and be around my youngest daughter, who’s become a really good basketball player. I do a lot of rebounding. But obviously there’s things that I really missed.”

Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.