Nov 12, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; San Jose Sharks head coach
Todd McLellanon his bench against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. San Jose Sharks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
It’s been two days since the San Jose Sharks’ season ended in an absolute debacle, and emotions are still running high around the organization and fanbase. Some are calling for sweeping changes, including firing the head coach Todd McLellan.
One person who still wants McLellan on board, however, is General Manager Doug Wilson. Speaking with the media on Friday, Wilson expressed his support for McLellan.
“My support for Todd is rock solid,” Wilson said via ESPN. “I’m 100 percent behind my coach.”
In a transcript provided by David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News, Wilson said that his “recommendation is that our coaching staff be part of this going forward.”
Of course, Wilson’s ability to make a decision on McLellan depends on whether Wilson will be back with the Sharks for his 12th season as GM. We shall see what owner Hasso Plattner has in mind. McLellan has led the Sharks to the playoffs every season since taking over the helm in San Jose in 2008, but has not been able to win a championship and is coming off arguably the worst playoff defeat in franchise history.
Wilson also sounded off on some other things.
“To our organization and to our fans, this is not a nick or a scratch,” he said, expressing his disappointment. “This is an open wound.”
On his status as GM being reviewed, Wilson candidly stated, “Absolutely and it should be. What needs to be done for this organization is what’s right for the organization. Nobody is bigger than this organization. We put a plan in place a year ago, we talked about it six months ago. We now have some very critical decisions to make.”