Reports: Seattle Mariners interview Jason Varitek for managerial job

Former Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek interviewed for the Seattle Mariners' vacant managerial job, multiple media outlets reported Tuesday.

Varitek, 43, has worked as a special assistant to the general manager with the Red Sox since 2012 after former GM Ben Cherington hired him, but he has no experience in the dugout as a manager.

The three-time All-Star was drafted by the Mariners in 1994 but played his entire 15-year major league career with the Red Sox after he was traded with right-hander Derek Lowe in 1997 in exchange for Heathcliff Slocumb. Varitek retired as a player in 2011 with 193 home runs, 757 RBIs and a .256 career batting average. The longtime captain played for two World Series champions and was behind the plate for four no-hitters.

MLB.com reported that the other candidates interviewed by the Mariners include Tampa Bay Rays third base coach Charlie Montoyo, Arizona Diamondbacks Triple-A Reno manager Phil Nevin, former Los Angeles Angels special assistant Tim Bogar and current ESPN analyst and former major league infielder Alex Cora.

The Mariners are seeking a replacement for Lloyd McClendon, who was let go by new general manager Jerry Dipoto after the 2015 season. Dipoto was hired by the Mariners in late September after stepping down as Angels general manager earlier this year.

If Varitek doesn't land the job or decides not to take it, his job with the Red Sox is secure, according to president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and general manager Mike Hazen.

Varitek, who lives in the Atlanta area with his family, works with Red Sox catchers in spring training, visits the team's minor league clubs, helps with scouting and the amateur draft and makes visits to the Red Sox several times per season to work with players.