5 candidates who can replace John Hynes as New Jersey Devils’ head coach
By Mary Clarke
4. Mike Babcock
The recently fired head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mike Babcock, is another big-name target the Devils may seek out in the offseason for a head coaching position. While we didn’t highlight New Jersey as a possible target when we looked at possible destinations for Babcock a few weeks ago, the Devils are an attractive job when you consider the talent on their roster.
Babcock is an accomplished head coach with one Stanley Cup to his name and a 700-418-19-164 record that dates back to when the NHL still had ties in the standings. For a sport that keeps recycling the same head coaches year after year, Babcock is a veteran NHL head coach who fits the bill of someone New Jersey would hire in order to right the ship as fast as possible.
Since Babcock’s firing, however, the head coach has come under major scrutiny. From asking then-rookie Mitch Marner to list Maple Leafs from most to least hardworking — then telling his teammates — to reportedly verbally assaulting former Detroit Red Wings’ player Johan Franzen while on the bench, Babcock’s image as a top head coach without reproach has crumbled.
The Devils still may take their chances with Babcock, despite the issues with his character, due to his pedigree as a head coach in the NHL. If New Jersey believes they are need of head coaching experience, Babcock may be the way they go with what he brings to the table as a head coach.
That is, of course, if Babcock even wants to return to the NHL that quickly. Babcock will likely have his pick of jobs in the offseason — if he so chooses — but there is the possibility he’ll want to coach in Seattle in two seasons time, a job unlike any Babcock has held before.