3 coaches not currently in the NHL the Devils can pursue following Lindy Ruff release

There are plenty of solid coaching options for the New Jersey Devils following Lindy Ruff’s release, but perhaps the organization should take a deeper look outside the NHL to find their next leader. That leader does not need to currently find themselves as a current NHL head coach or an assistant to warrant a long look. 

Instead, the Devils can explore outside the National Hockey League to find their next coach, including a couple of names that are currently or have recently returned from overseas. While New Jersey will look to give current interim coach Travis Green a chance and put more than a few current names in the NHL onto their shortlist, they must ultimately find a coach who will be the right fit for what is a young, talented hockey team. 

New Jersey Devils must put on a vast search for their next head coach

New Jersey may have a poor record and points total this season, or at least lower than what many in the fan base expected when the puck first dropped back in mid-October. But they also have a star player in Jack Hughes, who hasn’t even scratched the surface of his prime yet, plus a strong supporting cast that includes Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier, Nico Hischier, Alexander Holtz, Dawson Mercer, John Marino, Jonas Siegenthaler, and Luke Hughes among others. 

That said, it won’t be hard for the Devils to attract head coaching candidates, especially when the team can bounce back within the next calendar year. Having relieved Ruff in early March, the Devils also shouldn’t be in a rush to find their next coach, so there is no reason why they shouldn’t look into the AHL and in other professional leagues worldwide. 

Which three coaches not currently in the NHL should the organization strongly consider interviewing? Here are three names they must add to their shortlist in what will be an interesting coaching search.