MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Brewers hired former New York Mets manager Willie Randolph as bench coach today.

"I'm excited, looking forward to this next challenge and getting to work," Randolph said in a conference call. "I love teaching and I'm passionate about being in the game."

The 54-year-old Randolph was fired by the Mets on June 17. After being hired for the 2005 season, Randolph led the Mets to within one win of the 2006 World Series.

The Mets went 302-253 under his watch, and his .544 winning percentage ranks second to Davey Johnson (.588) in Mets history.

"We are very pleased to add Willie to the organization as he brings recent National League expertise and success to our coaching staff," general manager Doug Melvin said. "His reputation as a player is a quality that will be valuable in his teaching and coaching of our talented young team. Willie is a professional both on and off the field."

Ken Macha was hired Oct. 30 as the manager, taking over from Dale Sveum following the team's first postseason appearance since 1982. Randolph was one of three finalists for the job, along with Bob Brenly.

Randolph said that he called Macha to congratulate him and catch up on old times. Macha offered him the bench coach job about four hours later.

"I was really shocked and flattered he called me back," Randolph said.

Randolph, who is in contention for the job in Seattle, said that he has an agreement with the Brewers that if he gets another managerial offer, he can take it.

"Eventually, I do want to get back to managing," Randolph said. "I didn't really want to wait around. ... I thought it was best to make this move."

Along with his managerial experience, Randolph spent 11 seasons on the coaching staff of the New York Yankees as third base coach (1994-2003) and bench coach (2004). He was a part of four World Series championship teams with the Yankees.

The six-time All-Star second baseman had an 18-year playing career spent primarily with the Yankees (1976-88). He also played for Pittsburgh (1975), Los Angeles (1989-90), Oakland (1990), Milwaukee (1991) and the Mets (1992).