Jan 10, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock looks on from behind the bench against the Washington Capitals at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The San Jose Sharks coaching search is beginning to heat up and it should get interesting this week. According to ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Sharks are expected to talk with Mike Babcock this week about their head coaching vacancy.
San Jose Sharks scheduled to speak with Mike Babcock this week. Expectation is Babcock still wants to decide his future by Wednesday
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 17, 2015
As LeBrun points out, it appears Babcock wants to make a decision regarding his future by Wednesday which means the meeting with the Sharks should happen either today or tomorrow.
While I don’t think Babcock ultimately winds up in San Jose, general manager Doug Wilson is doing the right thing in speaking with him. Babcock is familiar with San Jose’s roster having competed against them in the playoffs on numerous occasions and having coached Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Marc-Edouard Vlasic for Team Canada at the Olympics.
Maybe the allure of getting this franchise that’s been on the cusp so many times before over the hump is great enough to lure Babcock west?
If Babcock is not the choice for the Sharks, some other names are also in the mix. The name most often mentioned is former New Jersey Devils coach Peter DeBoer. According to Darren Dreger of TSN, the Sharks could be looking into a second interview with DeBoer.
Pete DeBoer was also on Edmtn's radar. It's believed the Sharks want a second interview with DeBoer. Bylsma, Carlyle and Dave Lowry in mix
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 17, 2015
It’s fascinating because both Babcock and DeBoer have ties with former Sharks head coach Todd McLellan. McLellan served as an assistant to Babcock with the Detroit Red Wings before taking over the Sharks. Meanwhile, DeBoer recently served as an assistant under McLellan at the IIHF World Championships where Team Canada won gold yesterday.
It’s safe to assume that both parties have spoken with McLellan about the situation in San Jose and what might be going on behind the scenes.
Also, as Dreger and ESPN’S Craig Custance points out, Dan Byslma is also on the Sharks radar. Byslma, who coached Joe Pavelski on Team USA at the Sochi Olympics, would be an intriguing option as well since he’s well-versed in dealing with a team centered around two superstars.
As Custance mentions, Wilson is meticulous in the search process and doing his due diligence in speaking with a myriad of candidates. Now, he’s got to make sure he sifts through them all and picks the right one for the Sharks.