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5 possible replacements for Dave Tippett as Arizona Coyotes coach

By Brad Berreman

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)
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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Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Patrick Roy

One of the NHL’s all-time great goaltenders also has a very eccentric personality. The latest evidence is his abrupt departure from his post as Colorado Avalanche head coach and vice president of hockey operations last August over a perceived lack of input in personnel decisions. Considering how the team did this past season, with 22 wins and a by far league-low 48 points, Roy may have been smarter than he seemed to be at the time.

Roy started his coaching resume, and he would surely say started to build some personnel acumen, as co-owner, vice president, general manager and eventually head coach for the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in the mid-to-late 2000s. In May 2009, he was mentioned as a candidate to become head coach of the Avalanche, but he reportedly turned down the opportunity while also expressing a desire to be an NHL head coach some day.

Roy got his second shot at the Avalanche job in 2013, and he was hired that time. He led the team to a surprising division title in his first season (52-22-8, 112 points) while winning the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year. But things quickly reversed course over the following two seasons, as Colorado finished seventh and then sixth in their division, then Roy left on his own before the 2016-17 season started.

Roy’s desire to coach again can be questioned, and he may want a full job title that conveys a voice in personnel moves. But the Coyotes would do well to at least check in.

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