Feb 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks head coach Todd McLellan during practice the day before the Stadium Series hockey game at Levis Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
It’s been one week since the San Jose Sharks and former head coach Todd McLellan decided to “mutually” part ways. Since that time, a myriad of coaching names have been thrown out regarding who the next head coach could or should be.
For a good reference, see this article from David Pollak and Curtis Pashelka of the San Jose Mercury News. They do a nice job of outlining some potential candidates along with some insights into what the Sharks should seek in a new head coach.
At this point, the only thing fans need to know is this process will take some time. Following the announcement, general manager Doug Wilson hinted as much saying that there’s no timetable on making a decision.
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With the way everything has gone in the past year for this organization, taking their time with this hire is the smart move. Too many decisions or comments happened that seemed out of emotion rather than reason, which is something Wilson has preached and acted upon until all the drama of the past year or so.
Elliotte Friedman of Hockey Night in Canada reported last week that the Sharks have permission to speak with Randy Carlyle, the former head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Now this news was met with the expected vitriol of the Sharks’ fan base that wants nothing to do with Carlyle. I understand that sentiment and felt similar thoughts as well and still feel strongly that Carlyle should not be Wilson’s choice.
However, from an organizational standpoint, why not bring Carlyle in and hear what he has to say. Carlyle is familiar with the Sharks from his days as head coach of the Anaheim Ducks and he might have some interesting insights about what needs to change. He should be able to give plenty of insights on coaching through turmoil and a toxic situation after being with the Maple Leafs.
Again, with the Sharks coaching search expected to last a while, they should explore every avenue and speak with as many candidates as possible. Be thorough and have a plan identified as to what the next coach should look like.
For Sharks fans, patience will be needed. I know a majority of you want to see Wilson fired and every day that goes by with him in charge is an insult, but guess what, he’s not going anywhere right now. San Jose needs to get this one right just as Wilson hit a home run when he chose McLellan to succeed Ron Wilson, who was also highly successful with the Sharks.
As stated many times, San Jose is at a crossroads as a franchise and needs a coach who is going to align with management and get through to the players. No more divides can exist if this franchise is going to return to the postseason next year.