John Buccigross says bet on Mel Pearson as next hockey coach
FWIW.
Multiple #cawlidgehawkey sources say: Established coaches interested. NHL guys, too. Bet on Mel Pearson with John Madden as an assistant. https://t.co/CL8tVb1ran
— Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) April 19, 2017
April 19th, 2017 at 11:00 AM ^
Seems dubious. Madden is going to leave an AHL head coaching job to become a college assistant? That seems like a huge downgrade as a career move for a guy who seems like he wants to become an NHL head coach.
Proven winner, even with lesser talent, good recruiter, very good at payer development. Ties to M. Solid hire
in DC last week. A friend, we're both Red Wings fans, had tipped me off that he was staying at the same hotel. I had these grand plans to ask him about the theory that he was going to become M's hockey coach after a title or two in Toronto. But he was so darn nice and engaging when I ran into him in the lobby, asking about my interest in hockey and whether I was supporting the Leafs since the Red Wings were out of it, that I could not bring myself to ask. Also, I am a giant chicken.
April 19th, 2017 at 10:01 AM ^
I envision the following hotel lobby scene.
You: Chris Farley
Mike Babcock: Paul McCartney
April 19th, 2017 at 10:15 AM ^
I didn't notice you at the time.
April 19th, 2017 at 10:10 AM ^
I think I'm actually disappointed you didn't ask. You're not gonna get that chance ever again
April 19th, 2017 at 10:18 AM ^
No one. That's why I came clean on this board.
April 19th, 2017 at 10:20 AM ^
maybe 'notenoughsteakblue'?
April 19th, 2017 at 10:24 AM ^
If I weren't behind my firewall at work I would do this right now! Also, I don't know how :(
April 19th, 2017 at 10:26 AM ^
Glad to hear that about Babcock. Have to say with the Red Wings and Canes out of it, I seem to be adopting the Leafs as a team to cheer for. Hard to imagine given the rivalry with the Wings.
April 19th, 2017 at 10:38 AM ^
I'm hoping for Edmonton. Although they got freakin waxed last night.
April 19th, 2017 at 11:03 AM ^
McDavid vs Matthews is the kick in the ass hockey needs to get some fans back into it. Even I, a Red Wings diehard, was turned off by two lockouts in ten years. Pitting the two best young guns in the league against each other for a cup would be amazing.
April 19th, 2017 at 10:52 AM ^
Imagine Harbaugh winning a national championship already and how much more he would be idolized. If the Leafs have any playoff success, and they are poised to do so with their young team, he would surpass that (in Canada anyway). No way he would come to UM or any college program now. He also has a big ego and making Toronto a cup winner is the ultimate challenge.
April 19th, 2017 at 11:05 AM ^
Babcock already is a godlike figure for many Canadians having beaten Team USA for the Gold in Vancouver in the 2010 Winter Olympics.
April 19th, 2017 at 10:52 AM ^
I feel like this won't make all that many people happy, even though like 6 months ago Mel was the only name on people's lips.
April 19th, 2017 at 11:15 AM ^
There are about 60 posts in this thread right now and you're the only one to even hint at disapproval.
April 19th, 2017 at 11:08 AM ^
He's my #1 pick.
April 19th, 2017 at 11:49 AM ^
April 19th, 2017 at 12:18 PM ^
Pearson, Madden & Muckalt?
That would be awesome!
I think Buccigross is just listing a favorite here rather than providing any real insight. Moderately informed (as in, another guy in the business saying "Michigan might go this way and Mel would say yes" or something like that) speculation. Not much more.
Which is fine. If Mel winds up being the guy, I'm cool with that. But I think if either he or one of the current assistants were the anointed successor, the deal would either be done or well on its way right now. According to George Sipple, as of last now Mel reports not having talked to anybody about the job.
Instead, we're apparently waiting until the coaches meet in Florida later this week, which makes sense... if Warde would like to interview a few other guys. The good part about this is that it means that he's not just taking the first guy with Michigan ties, but is doing some due diligence. If the result of a larger search is still Mel Pearson, it helps me believe that he's at least kicked the tires on desirable guys like Leaman and Montgomery and Bazin.
April 19th, 2017 at 10:41 PM ^
Excellent coach. Has done everything necessary to prove he deserves the opportunity. It should be a no-brainer IF that's what Mel wants. The best point of all is he is truly a good person and will long be a positive representitive of the University of Michigan.