MIAMI -- Marlins manager Don Mattingly is bringing a familiar figure back to South Florida.Former Braves and Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez is returning to Miami as the club's third-base coach, a source confirmed to MLB.com on Monday. The 52-year-old had been the primary candidate to take over the job since

MIAMI -- Marlins manager Don Mattingly is bringing a familiar figure back to South Florida.

Former Braves and Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez is returning to Miami as the club's third-base coach, a source confirmed to MLB.com on Monday. The 52-year-old had been the primary candidate to take over the job since the regular season ended.

Gonzalez has been the clear front-runner to return to the Marlins. The Marlins have not yet announced his hiring.

After the season ended, the Marlins announced they were not bringing back third-base coach Lenny Harris, hitting coach Barry Bonds and bullpen coach Reid Cornelius.

Gonzalez previously managed the Marlins from 2007-10, posting a record of 276-279. His wins total is the most of any manager in franchise history. Gonzalez was dismissed on June 23, 2010, and later became the manager of the Braves, replacing Bobby Cox in 2011.

This past season, the Braves were off to a 9-28 start when Gonzalez was let go on May 17, and replaced by Brian Snitker. In parts of six seasons with Atlanta, Gonzalez was 434-413.

Prior to becoming the Marlins' manager in 2007, Gonzalez was the Braves' third-base coach from 2003-06.

Born in Cuba, Gonzalez was raised in Miami, attending Southridge High School. His first professional coaching experience was with the Class A Miami Miracle in 1990. Gonzalez managed in the Marlins' organization in the 1990s, and he was a coach on the big league staff from 1999-2001.

Joe Frisaro has covered the Marlins for MLB.com since 2002. He writes a blog, called The Fish Pond. Follow him on Twitter @JoeFrisaro and listen to his podcast.