On November 15, 2005, Joe Madden became the fourth manager in Tampa Bay Rays history. He followed Larry Rothschild, Hal McRae, and Lou Piniella. In his first season as skipper, he guided the Rays to their most wins at Tropicana Field (41). Madden led the franchise to their first ever American League championship and World Series appearance during the 2008 season. 

Joe Madden has coached several popular Rays baseball players including Evan Longoria.