Terry Francona will interview with Indians, according to report

Former Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona is a major candidate for the Cleveland Indians' managerial job, Paul Hoynes of The Plain Dealer is reporting. Francona is expected to interview for the vacated position this upcoming week. Interim manager Sandy Alomar is reportedly getting the first crack at the job that was formerly held by Manny Acta.

Francona, currently a color analyst for ESPN, managed the Red Sox from 2004-11, helping the franchise win two World Series crowns ('04 and '07). Francona was fired after a rocky 2011 season that featured an historic late-season collapse.

However, Francona admits the season off has helped rejuvenate him.

"Stepping back and getting away for a year really helped me," said Francona, who has managed 12 years in the big leagues and owns a 1,029-915 record. "I wouldn't be interviewing unless I was extremely excited."

If Francona wins the job, it would be the second time he's worked for the Indians organization. In 2000, Francona was fired as the Philadelphia Phillies manager and was hired by soon-to-be Cleveland general manager Mark Shapiro as a special assistant. Francon'a father, Tito, played for the Indians from '59-64.

"When I told my dad I was interviewing with the Cleveland Indians, he was probably the happiest man in the world," said Francona.