New Jersey Devils legend accepts head coaching gig

The New Jersey Devils have coaching influences across hockey. Even when looking at just former Devils coaches, there are five current head coaches that were either on the Devils staff the past two years or was a head coach for the Devils previously. However, it's the dynasty Devils that have a real hold on coaching.

Jay Pandolfo is the head coach of Boston University. He also got some NHL head coaching interviews. Former captain Jamie Langenbrunner was a player development coach in Boston before moving to the front office. Brian Gionta is a head coach in the NAHL. John Madden, Scott Stevens, and Corey Schwab are all or have been assistant coaches in the NHL. John MacLean was also once the head coach of the New Jersey Devils, but that didn't end well.

Now, another former Devils legend is joining the ranks. Scott Gomez was just announced as the head coach of the Surrey Eagles.

Gomez joined the Surrey Eagles last season. Prior to that, he spent a few seasons as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders. He had some time in between, but it looks like Gomez hit his stride in coaching, as he's now the head coach.

Scott Gomez takes up head coaching gig after the previous coach stepped down.

This is the British Columbia Hockey League. It's not one of the big divisions in Canadian hockey, but it's definitely a start. Three current NHLers are Eagles alumni: Brandon Tanev, Danton Heinen,and Devon Toews. Gomez himself once played for the Eagles back in 1996. Former Devils goaltender Andrew Hammond is also a former Eagles player.

Gomez joined a winner last season, as the team just won the Fred Page Cup. Then, the current head coach made an interesting move. Cam Keith said he was stepping down as head coach to move his family to a lower cost of living. It's an interesting move, but it opens the door for Gomez.

The New Jersey Devils coaching tree is growing, and we love to see it. Gomez is a player who's been through a lot, and he can teach young players exactly how to overcome adversity. He certainly did.