PHILADELPHIA — Willie Randolph turned down an opportunity to join the Washington Nationals' coaching staff, and if he doesn't get the Brewers' managing job, he'll probably sit out the 2009 season, a person familiar with the situation said.

Randolph, fired as Mets manager June 17, spoke with the Nationals about serving as either bench coach or third-base coach under manager Manny Acta, but he ultimately decided against working under Acta. The two had a tenuous relationship in 2005 and 2006, when Acta worked as Randolph's third-base coach, because of Acta's strong alliance with Mets general manager Omar Minaya and vice president of player development Tony Bernazard.

The Nationals announced five new coaches Friday, including former Padres, Cubs and Mariners manager Jim Riggleman as bench coach — although Riggleman still is in the running to be the Mariners' manager. Pat Listach will be the third-base coach.

The Rockies have expressed interest in hiring Randolph as their bench coach, but he doesn't seem inclined to accept that post, the source said. The Mets will pay Randolph $2.25 million not to manage in 2009, so he can afford to be choosy. He isn't a candidate to be the Yankees' third-base coach.

The Brewers will hire either Randolph, former Diamondbacks manager Bob Brenly or former Athletics manager Ken Macha to replace interim manager Dale Sveum. Macha is believed to be the favorite.

Owner Mark Attanasio, a Bronx native, personally fired Milwaukee manager Ned Yost with two weeks left in the season — replacing him with Sveum — and has become more hands-on.