5 replacements for Dave Tippett as Arizona Coyotes coach

5 possible replacements for Dave Tippett as Arizona Coyotes coach

GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 11: Head coach Dave Tippett of the Arizona Coyotes watches from the bench during the third period of the NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Gila River Arena on February 11, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Penguins 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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As the Arizona Coyotes face some changes, here are five possible options to replace Dave Tippett as head coach.

Heading into Friday night’s draft and with free agency looming, the Arizona Coyotes are embarking on a new era. Long-time captain Shane Doan will not be back next season, and the organization “mutually agreed to part ways” with head coach/executive vice president of hockey operations Dave Tippett on Thursday.

Tippett spent eight seasons as head coach of the Coyotes, with a 282-257-83 record and three playoff appearances. But five straight non-playoff seasons probably hurt him, particularly with Andrew Barroway taking over as sole owner of the team and immediately starting a shake up of the front office. Tippett had four years left on his contract, and he’ll reportedly walk away with a $3 million buyout for his trouble.

According to Nick Cotsonika of NHL.com, Coyotes general manager John Chayka wanted Tippett back and would not say what he’ll look for in a new head coach. Any roster moves made in the wake of the NHL Draft seem to be Chayka’s priority over the next couple days. But come Sunday, or for sure Monday, a search for a coach will start in earnest.

With that, here are five candidates to become the next Coyotes’ head coach.

5. Jim Playfair

Playfair is the internal candidate, as associate coach under Tippett for the last six seasons. Prior to coming to Arizona, he spent 11 years with the Calgary Flames organization, with five years as an NHL assistant, one season as head coach (2006-07) and five years as head coach of their AHL affiliate.

The Flames had 96 points (43-29-10) and made the playoffs in Playfair’s lone season as head coach before a first-round exit against the Detroit Red Wings. Any “philosophical differences” with Tippett could easily transfer to Playfair in Arizona, but he has to be a candidate for a simple promotion at this late stage.

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