Report: Mike Babcock Will Not Be Coaching The San Jose Sharks
Feb 21, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock watches his team warm up prior to the game between the Dallas Stars and the Red Wings during the first period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
As the hockey world is encapsulated by the decision of Mike Babcock, the San Jose Sharks are moving in a different direction.
As Pierre LeBrun of ESPN points out, Babcock will not be heading to the West Coast.
It's not San Jose, Sharks for sure are OUT on Babcock. Sharks focused on long list of other candidates right now
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 20, 2015
LeBrun’s report doesn’t come as much of a surprise as many people didn’t think Babcock would end up in San Jose. The Sharks are entering a rebuilding phase, and part of the reason Todd McLellan is coaching the Edmonton Oilers right now is because he viewed San Jose as a longer-term rebuild. Also, it would’ve been odd to see Babcock replace his close friend in McLellan especially after all of the organizational turmoil that hit the franchise this past season.
With the Sharks now out on Babcock, it appears they are turning their sights towards other candidates. As Darren Dreger of TSN reports, San Jose is speaking with more candidates.
To pass the time. In other coaching news, Randy Carlyle spoke with the Sharks this week. Adam Oates is talking with Wilson today.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 20, 2015
Carlyle’s name has been floated out there in the past, but this is the first time Oates’ name has emerged in the discussion. Again, general manager Doug Wilson is casting a wide net in pursuit of the Sharks next head coach, but I’d be shocked if either of these two guys were his choice.
Carlyle and Oates now seem to join a list along with Peter DeBoer and Dan Byslma as former head coaches that Wilson has spoken with about the job. Over the weekend, Dreger reported that San Jose requested a second interview with DeBoer, who’s name has been in close connection with the job throughout the process.
At this point, it’s tough to tell which direction Wilson will head in but at least the Sharks know that it won’t be Babcock.