In a recent interview, David Ross admitted that despite trying to move forward, there were moments when he “slipped back” to what he called “Negative Town”—where the memory of his dismissal at his Tallahassee home remained vividly present.

That day, Jed Hoyer—the Chicago Cubs’ president of baseball operations—came to his home in November 2023 to announce that he was no longer the team’s head coach, making way for Craig Counsell.

“That moment always stays,” Ross shared. “It’s a very strange feeling. You’re never really ready for it.”

He added that during his first season after being fired, he was torn between wanting his former players like Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, and Dansby Swanson to perform well, and the indescribable feeling of not having the team under his control anymore.

“I used to support them, but there were times… I didn’t know how I should feel,” Ross said frankly.

One of the most notable revelations from Ross is that he hasn’t received any calls to return to the head coaching position since leaving the Cubs.

Despite nearly a dozen MLB coaching positions being vacant in the last two seasons, Ross admitted he wasn’t on the list of those contacted.

“I don’t sit looking at my phone all day,” he said. “But I’m not pretending I don’t know what’s going on either. No calls. And that’s clear enough.”

Ross compared his situation to the free agent market: everything depends on the needs, timing, and strategic fit of each team.

He also admitted to having been asked about taking on auxiliary coaching roles, but hasn’t found the “right fit” to return to the dugout system.

Despite being fired in a landmark decision for the organization, David Ross doesn’t seem to hold a grudge against the Cubs’ leadership.

He confirmed he had spoken with Jed Hoyer a few times after the 2023 event, but there were no deep, lasting conversations. His relationship with president Tom Ricketts is described as more positive, with meetings at events and even a recent interview on his podcast.

“Nothing personal,” Ross said. “I like Jed. I think it’s just business.”

The arrival of Craig Counsell – who the Cubs signed to a long-term contract and a record-breaking salary for the coaching position – was acknowledged by Ross as an inevitable part of the strategic shift in Chicago.

“Counsell is one of the best,” he said. “I understand the decision, even though it wasn’t easy to accept.”

Since leaving the Cubs, Ross has pursued a variety of other activities: joining the Team USA coaching staff at the World Baseball Classic, becoming an analyst for ESPN, and co-hosting the podcast “The Lovable Reunion” with Anthony Rizzo – a project celebrating the 2016 Cubs championship-winning generation.

He also shared about his turbulent personal life, including his divorce after being fired, but maintaining close relationships with his three children.

His eldest daughter is playing Division I volleyball, his son is entering his final year of high school and is considering culinary studies, while his youngest daughter is only 10 years old.

Despite these life changes, Ross says he has found a new balance in his off-field roles.

Ross confirmed he has only returned to Wrigley Field a few times since leaving his coaching position, mostly for team events and the podcast.

However, he firmly stated he would be present at the 10th anniversary celebration of the 2016 World Series championship on July 18th.

“No question about it,” he said. “I can’t wait to walk onto Wrigley Stadium in front of that crowd.”

Despite some hesitation before returning to the Cubs Convention, Ross said he decided to participate because of “his brothers”—the former teammates who helped him create that historic moment.

“That’s what brought me back. Not the job. But the people.”

The most important thing in Ross’s statement was the clear affirmation: he still wants to return to the role of MLB head coach.

“I’m not waiting for anyone,” he said. “But I still want to manage the team. I’m not done with this job.”

“I’m not waiting for anyone,” he said. “But I still want to manage the team. I’m not done with this job.”

Ross admitted that despite not receiving any recent offers, he believes that his experience in a large market like Chicago – however stressful – has helped him mature significantly.

He also mentioned that many great coaches, such as Alex Cora and Rob Thomson, have gone through similar upheavals, as a reminder that the profession is always harsh and unpredictable.

David Ross is no longer in the Cubs’ dugout, and currently doesn’t belong to any team. But his latest comments suggest he hasn’t given up on the game.

Between the “Negative Town” of memories, podcasts with Rizzo, his work at ESPN, and his love for Wrigley Field, Ross is living in a transitional phase – where the past and future constantly clash.

And the biggest question remains:

Does MLB still have a place for David Ross… or will he forever remain a part of the unrepeatable 2016 Cubs memory?