OAKLAND (AP) — Ron Washington is getting back into the big leagues, re-joining the Oakland Athletics as an instructor after nearly eight years as the Texas Rangers manager.

Washington, who was a coach with the A’s for 11 years before joining the Rangers, told The Associated Press in a text message Wednesday night that he heard from general manager Billy Beane earlier in the day and would meet the A’s in Tampa, Florida, on Friday.

The 63-year-old Washington has been working with youth and college players in his native New Orleans. He led the Rangers to AL pennants in 2010 and ‘11.

The San Francisco Chronicle first reported Oakland’s interest in bringing back Washington to work with the struggling defense.

Washington resigned as Rangers manager last Sept. 5, saying he needs to devote his full attention to an “off-the-field personal matter.”