Rangers coaching rumors: 5 replacements for Alain Vigneault

The New York Rangers wasted no time relieving Alain Vigneault of his duties as head coach, and here are five candidates to replace him.

With a pre-trade deadline declaration of a youth movement, the New York Rangers conceded this would not be a playoff season. For the first time since 2009-10, and obviously the first time in Vigneault’s five seasons, that came to fruition with a 34-39-9 record.

After Saturday’s 5-0 to the Philadelphia Flyers to close the regular season, and hours after he conveyed confidence he’d return, Vigneault was fired. He was an easy scapegoat for a dismal situation, but a fresh voice is clearly needed amid diminishing results. The Rangers made the Stanley Cup Final in Vigneault’s first season (2013-14), and the Eastern Conference Finals in his second season, but exited the playoffs in the second and first round respectively the seasons after that.

The Rangers’ job has appeal, but also a great deal of pressure attached to it. Here are five candidates to replace Vigneault.

5. Jeff Jackson

Jackson just led Notre Dame to the national title game. The Fighting Irish have made the Frozen Four in back-to-back years, and four times during his tenure. Dating back his time as head coach at Lake Superior State, Jackson has two national titles (1992 and 1994) and another Frozen Four appearance besides that on his resume.

Jackson spent one season as an assistant coach in the NHL, with the New York Islanders in 2003-2004, before a lockout season in 2004-2005 led to his hiring at Notre Dame in 2005.

The success Dave Hakstol has had with the Flyers, with two playoff appearances in three seasons now, shows a successful college coach can translate to the modern NHL. The Rangers would do well to consider the same path as they reset.