June 8, 2011; San Diego, CA, USA; Colorado Rockies third base coach Rich Dauer (25) during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Dauer has been one of the most sought after managerial candidates among teams looking for a manager for the past few years. The fact the Padres were even able to land Dauer is a surprise in itself.

The 60- year-old Dauer replaces John Gibbons, who left to be take the managerial job with the new and improved Toronto Blue Jays.

Dauer spent the last four seasons as the third base coach for the Colorado Rockies.

The Colton, Calif. native brings 26 years of coaching experience into the position, 22 at the big league level. Dauer has also coached in the Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City and Cleveland Indians organization.

His last managerial position was way back in 1987 when he skippered the San Bernardio Spirits, the Class-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers.