Kansas City Royals bench coach and former Toronto Blue Jays manger John Gibbons has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Pittsburgh Pirates managerial vacancy, according to a source close to The Kansas City Star’s Bob Dutton. Gibbons has decided to remain as the Royals’ bench coach for 2011.

“Who knows who will get that job [in Pittsburgh]?” Gibbons told the Star. “I just had a feeling that I might be better off staying in Kansas City.”

Gibbons was the third among seven candidates for the open managerial position in Pittsburgh. Other candidates that have interviewed include Eric Wedge, Ken Macha, Bo Porter, Jeff Banister, Dale Sveum and Carlos Tosca. GM Neal Huntington said the other candidates are being considered, according to MLB.com’s Jenifer Langosch.

Gibbons spent part of five season as the Toronto Blue Jays manager.  During his tenure he was 305-305. He has been the Royals’ bench coach since 2009.