There is a common misconception that the vast majority of NHL coaches are veteran coaches that have had a bunch of other NHL head coaching jobs....
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The original was posted on /r/hockey by /u/LegendofWeevil17 on 2025-05-09 02:11:43+00:00.

There is a common misconception that the vast majority of NHL coaches are veteran coaches that have had a bunch of other NHL head coaching jobs. This is simply not based in fact:

First NHL head coaching position

  • Ryan Huska - Flames
  • Rod Brind’amor - Hurricanes
  • Anders Sörensen - Blackhawks
  • Jared Bednar - Avalanche
  • Kris Knoblauch - Oilers
  • Jim Hiller - Kings
  • Martin St Louis - Habs
  • Ryan Warsofsky - Sharks
  • Jon Cooper - Lightning
  • André Tourigny - Mammoth
  • Spencer Carbery - Capitals

Edit: Evason and Sacco moved, my Wikipedia research was rushed. Title is still correct

11/29 - 37% of coaches are on their first contact

Has only had 1 previous head coaching job

  • Andrew Brunette (0.5 / interim position) - Preds
  • Sheldon Keefe - Devils
  • Patrick Roy - Islanders
  • Brad Shaw (0.5 / interim position) - Flyers
  • Scott Arniel - Jets
  • Dean Evason - Blue Jackets
  • Joe Sacco - Bruins

7/29 - 24% of coaches have only had one previous head coaching gig, 2 of those interim.

Has has 3-4 head coaching jobs

  • Joel Quenneville (4) - Ducks
  • Lindy Ruff (4) - Sabers
  • Todd Mckellan (4) - Wings
  • John Hynes (3) - Wild
  • Mike Sullivan (3) - Rangers
  • Travis Green (3) - Senators
  • Jim Montgomery (3) - Blues
  • Craig Berube (3) - Leafs
  • Bruce Cassidy (3) - Knights

5+ head coaching jobs

  • Paul Maurice (5) Panthers
  • Pete Deboer (5) Stars

Only 37% of coaches have had more than 2 previous head coaching jobs in the NHL