Potential coaches for the San Jose Sharks

Less than two years after hiring David Quinn to usher in a new era of Sharks hockey, the Sharks are on the look out for a new head coach. On Wednesday, San Jose Sharks General Manager Mike Grier fired Quinn, though he kept the rest of the coaching staff. Grier told the media he’s looking for a new voice as the Sharks continue the lengthy process of rebuilding a playoff contender.

While there’s no indication of who Grier will choose with the next hire, it’s clear that he has a lot of options. There are NHL re-treads, as in coaches that have lost their jobs in the past 12 months or so. Then, there are some options waiting in the wings. We’re talking about AHL, college and NHL assistant coaches who could experience their first opportunity at the helm.

Ryan Warsofsky: Close to home

Let’s start out with one of the most obvious potential candidates for the job: Ryan Warsofsky. Warsofsky reportedly interviewed for the head coaching job in 2022, just before Quinn was hired to take the role. The Sharks hired him as an assistant coach under Quinn, and he was tapped to run the defense and penalty kill. While the PK was good this season, the defense left something to be desired.

Warsofsky has been considered a rising coach for several years now. One has to wonder if he was promised a shot at the head coaching job if Quinn was fired.

University of Denver’s David Carle

If the Sharks are looking to give a new face a shot behind an NHL bench, then David Carle might be another option. Carle is in high demand after winning the NCAA National Championship with the University of Denver and gold for Team USA at the World Junior Championship.

Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts podcast that Carle will only leave Denver for a situation he likes. Could the opportunity to coach a young team like the Sharks be what he’s looking for? Carle coached Will Smith at the World Junior Championship in January. He knows goaltending prospect Magnus Chrona; they won a national championship together just a few years ago.

Then there’s the potential Sharks draft pick this season. If the Sharks miss out on the first overall pick, the team could consider drafting one of Carle’s players at the University of Denver, defenseman Zeev Buium. There could be a lot of ties that attract Carle to the Sharks.

Plus, Carle is likely familiar with Grier and the Sharks. Carle’s brother Matt Carle played for the Sharks for three seasons. The Sharks drafted Matt in 2003. Grier and Matt Carle played together on the Sharks for two seasons (2006-2008). There are ties there and it could lure Carle to the NHL.

Former Sharks looking for a homecoming?

Several former Sharks players could return to San Jose as coaches. Many of them are already serving as assistant coaches in the NHL and might be looking for a shot at head coaching.

Rob Zettler has had several chances with the Sharks as an assistant coach but has never taken over the role of head coach. Meantime, Manny Malhotra is currently an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Joel Ward might be another option. He’s currently behind the bench as an assistant coach with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Then there’s Marco Sturm. He is currently the head coach of the Ontario Reign in the OHL.

Former NHL coaches looking for another shot

A lot of coaches were fired this season. Coaches in every division and time zone found themselves back on the market, and it’s likely we’re not done yet. The Pittsburgh Penguins missed the playoffs, putting Head Coach Mike Sullivan’s job in serious jeopardy. So far, there’s no word out of Pittsburgh, but it’s been less than a week since the regular season ended.

Then there’s the Toronto Maple Leafs. If the team suffers another quick exit from the playoffs, is Sheldon Keefe’s job safe? Does Dave Hakstol lose his job in Seattle? What about Derek Lalonde with the Detroit Red Wings? BetMGM believes his seat is the hottest of all.

But let’s talk about the coaches who are currently available—the ones who have already lost their jobs.

Reunited, and it feels so good?

There are a couple of former Sharks coaches that could find their way back to San Jose. Former assistant coach Jay Woodcroft is an option. He was released from the Edmonton Oilers with a 79-36-10 record. Of course, some people argue it’s hard to lose with the roster that he had. That’s true, but Woodcroft is well-respected around the league, and he’s likely to get another shot sooner rather than later.

Another former Sharks head coach that could return is Todd McLellan. T-Mac lost his job with the Los Angeles Kings in February and is currently searching for a new opportunity. He helped see the Kings through its rebuild. Could he do the same for the Sharks?

Other coaching options that have been there before

Other options include former Minnesota Wild coach Dean Evason, former St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube, former Ottawa Senators coach D.J. Smith and former Buffalo Sabres coach Don Granato. Of course, all four teams missed the playoffs this season, so it may not be much of an upgrade.

Bruce Boudreau is also looking for a head coaching opportunity. Mike Babcock was out in Columbus before the season even started, but people still seem to think he’s looking to get back in the game. Joel Quenneville is also making the media rounds and making sounds like he’s looking to return to the league.

Conclusion

Not all of the options are good ones. I don’t think the fan base would be thrilled if a guy like Babcock or Quenneville were named to the post. Promoting from within might not be a bad option. Warsofsky is going to get a shot at an NHL job soon; it might as well be in San Jose. Carle has won an NCAA National Championship and World Junior gold in less than 12 months. That’s not bad work. He’s worth a call, at least.

Then there’s a handful of former Sharks that might welcome a return to San Jose. The point is that GMMG has options and so, whether you agree fundamentally with the call or not, he chose a good time to be on the hunt for a new coach.