Mike Babcock: New Jersey Devils Head Coach Candidate
By Phil DeHaven
As the New Jersey Devils coaching search continues, it’s time to look at arguably the most desired head coach on the market. Mike Babcock has been the Head Coach of the Detroit Red Wings for the past 10 seasons. During that time the Wings made the playoffs every year and won the 2007-2008 Stanley Cup. Even though Babcock is technically still under contract with the Red Wings, the organization has given him permission to talk to other teams.
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What Mike Babcock has done with the Detroit Red Wings over the past 10 seasons is impressive. He’s known for being a fiery coach and used a system in Detroit similar to what the Devils use. While Babcock has led the Wings to 10 straight playoff appearances, winning the Stanley Cup only once says a lot. Another coach who has had similar success like Babcock is current St. Louis Blues Head Coach Ken Hitchcock. The following quote from this
points out that both coaches may not be too different.
"“Amazing,” said a long-time NHL general manager, who didn’t want his name involved. “You have one coach with one playoff series win in four years that everybody wants to hire, and one coach with exactly the same record, one playoff win in four years, that everybody wants to fire.”"
This quote just goes to show how much NHL teams value Mike Babcock’s character as a head coach. Ken Hitchcock is currently on the hot seat in St. Louis when he’s done exactly the same as Babcock over the last few years. Then there’s also Mike Babcock’s Olympics success. As Head Coach of the Canadian Olympic team he’s won two gold-medals which only goes to make him even more desirable.
“I just felt, after 10 years, the opportunity was out there. I’m going to ride this process out. I’m thrilled they want me back.” –Mike Babcock
Though all his success as an NHL and Olympic Head Coach, he was asked why he requested to talk to other teams. In a USA Today article by Helene St. James he said this: “I just felt, after 10 years, the opportunity was out there. I’m going to ride this process out. I’m thrilled they want me back.” If Babcock does decide to leave Detroit like many believe he will, he is expected to become the highest paid Head Coach in NHL history.
The list of teams interested in Mike Babcock is long, but there are definitely some favorites many believe have a good chance at landing him. The top teams in the Babcock sweepstakes are believed to be the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers. Then where do the New Jersey Devils fit into all this? Essentially the Devils enter the Mike Babcock sweepstakes as a bit of a wild card. With relatively new owners and a new GM in Ray Shero, the organization is in a state of transition which could be either appealing or unattractive.
“We’ll spend when it makes sense to spend.” –Devils Co-Owner Josh Harris
Then there’s also the belief that Mike Babcock is looking to become the highest paid head coach in league history. Reports have mentioned he’s looking for an annual salary over $3 million even though he turned down a 5-year $15 million offer from the Wings last off-season. Devils co-owner Josh Harris was asked about the teams willingness to spend in a Fire & Ice article last week. He said, “We’re not afraid to spend if it makes sense for the franchise. This is something we’re committed to winning here in New Jersey… We’ll spend when it makes sense to spend.”
In my opinion I think the Devils would benefit a lot from a head coach like Mike Babcock. He’s passionate and isn’t afraid to show emotion in front of his players to motivate them. I think the price tag is high, but he is the type of coach you want behind your bench to turn things around. What do you think? Vote in the poll below to let us know if you want GM Ray Shero to hire Mike Babcock.