Speculation: Who should the Bruins hire as their next Head Coach?

[BruinDust]

Not sure who I want but wouldn’t be surprised the short list is Sullivan, Leach, Laviolette, Sacco. Seems like Sweeney’s recent picks is guys that would never be out spoken with management. Torts is too brass for Sweeney to take a chance on.

What I care for is a strict Xs and Os guy that is going to instill the basics of a 200 ft game and accountability to do what is best for the team. That type of leadership will be needed for the younger prospects coming up and a reset of the culture. 2011 era is over, it’s time to develop it

Your probably not wrong so how pathetic of a list is that? Basically if you haven't been head coach of the Boston or Providence Bruins at some point in the past 25 years of your coaching career, you have no chance of being the Boston Bruins next permanent head coach.

 

[mar2kbos]

Your probably not wrong so how pathetic of a list is that? Basically if you haven't been head coach of the Boston or Providence Bruins at some point in the past 25 years of your coaching career, you have no chance of being the Boston Bruins next permanent head coach.

It’s certainly going to be interesting if they kind of status quo things after basically not doing that at the trade deadline. Possible Sweeney may just switch things up. I’d be really surprised if Sweeney keeps Sacco as head coach. I just see a deadman walking and wouldn’t be surprised if a couple days after the season ends you’ll hear he is no longer the head coach (50/50 if he stays on as something else). Be also interesting to see what names pop up after the season as well I am sure a few teams will be firing their coach.

 

[bp14]

It’s certainly going to be interesting if they kind of status quo things after basically not doing that at the trade deadline. Possible Sweeney may just switch things up. I’d be really surprised if Sweeney keeps Sacco as head coach. I just see a deadman walking and wouldn’t be surprised if a couple days after the season ends you’ll hear he is no longer the head coach (50/50 if he stays on as something else). Be also interesting to see what names pop up after the season as well I am sure a few teams will be firing their coach.

There’s no way in the word they could keep Sacco. He’s done nothing to warrant it and it’s a perfect time to start over.

I can’t think of anything that would surprise me more this offseason than if they kept Sacco.

 

[mjhfb]

I wouldn't mind Torts, just so I can be entertained by his post games.

 

[chrisab123]

If they felt that way then why wasn't Leach named the interim coach instead of Sacco.

If you know the team is not going anywhere you wouldn’t put your guy in a position to fail. Sacco probably would remain in an assistant role. They have a loyalty to Bruins Alumni. Leach wore the sweater. Sacco never did. Plus Sacco had previously been a head coach so they probably felt he’d be a good bridge for Montgomery to Leach. My thing is that you don’t make it a big deal to get someone back from another team without having a plan in place. I firmly believe the three real candidates are Pandolfo Donato and Leach. I’m not sure who has the upper hand but they aren’t going to go with someone who will question Cam/Sweeney. I doubt they go with another candidate who never played here but who knows.

 

[Igor25]

I

Don Sweeney played 75 games for Rick Bowness in 1991-92

Wouldn’t bother me if he’s back

I'd be fine with that. Anything to avoid another Sacco interview. Would be nice to see him with some emotion for once. He must know he's out after the season so blow it up for once Joe!

 

[SPLBRUIN]

If you know the team is not going anywhere you wouldn’t put your guy in a position to fail. Sacco probably would remain in an assistant role. They have a loyalty to Bruins Alumni. Leach wore the sweater. Sacco never did. Plus Sacco had previously been a head coach so they probably felt he’d be a good bridge for Montgomery to Leach. My thing is that you don’t make it a big deal to get someone back from another team without having a plan in place. I firmly believe the three real candidates are Pandolfo Donato and Leach. I’m not sure who has the upper hand but they aren’t going to go with someone who will question Cam/Sweeney. I doubt they go with another candidate who never played here but who knows.

I really don't believe that Sweeney will take the easy, lazy and cheap way out by hiring someone with a past/present Bruins affiliation. He is getting a mulligan for this disaster of a year and for the firings of past successful coaches like Cassidy and Monty, I don't think for a second that Sweeney has a job for life. This coach hiring has to be a home run or something close to it or else he is in serious trouble, therefore Sweeney will do a thorough search for the best possible coach regardless of whether or not he has ties to the Bruins.

 

[BMC]

I would much prefer someone from outside the old boy network/former Bruins pile. However if I have to pick one from this list it would be Peter Laviolette and I won't be surprised if he becomes available. The Rangers are a dumpster fire this season after being touted as one of the teams to beat. Someone's head has to roll and it will probably be Laviolette's.

 

[Igor25]

I really don't believe that Sweeney will take the easy, lazy and cheap way out by hiring someone with a past/present Bruins affiliation. He is getting a mulligan for this disaster of a year and for the firings of past successful coaches like Cassidy and Monty, I don't think for a second that Sweeney has a job for life. This coach hiring has to be a home run or something close to it or else he is in serious trouble, therefore Sweeney will do a thorough search for the best possible coach regardless of whether or not he has ties to the Bruins.

Water under the bridge but Butch shouldn't have been fired IMHO.

 

[Dr Hook]

I really don't believe that Sweeney will take the easy, lazy and cheap way out by hiring someone with a past/present Bruins affiliation. He is getting a mulligan for this disaster of a year and for the firings of past successful coaches like Cassidy and Monty, I don't think for a second that Sweeney has a job for life. This coach hiring has to be a home run or something close to it or else he is in serious trouble, therefore Sweeney will do a thorough search for the best possible coach regardless of whether or not he has ties to the Bruins.

This seems right to me also. There was a time in the past where the easy way would have been on the table. Now, though he is on the hook to deliver an improved team (especially after the big clear-out) and will do his best to find the right coach for the roster. I don't think he gets another head-coach sacking- he's next if the team doesn't turn it around.

 

[Gordoff]

Baghdad Bob available?

 

[Hookslide]

I’d want Torts. Sure he’s outspoken but he’s also a good coach.

Who will it be? Pandolfo Leach or Donato.

Pandolfo, is not coming he will be coaching, his kid at BU. I don't think Donato gives up what he has, good be wrong though. Leach, should be nowhere near this team next year, clean sweep with the coaching staff is a must do. I do still feel a little bad for Sacco, this was just a shit show from the start, and he didn't have a chance to right this ship.

 

[Hookslide]

I

Don Sweeney played 75 games for Rick Bowness in 1991-92

Wouldn’t bother me if he’s back

If Bowness, like you suggest being in the running, what is the opinion of a Mark Recchi as an assistant coach, does he get high enough grades for the job. The reason I say this Bowness is 70 years old, have a plan in place. What is your opinion? I suggested this when they hired Monty, maybe my opinion of Recchi is wrong. The other guy, that I would consider as a coach would be Gallant, I know he has history of having a short shelf life, and maybe that is where a Recchi comes in, and that way you have outside voices, and some continuity.

 

[DKH]

If Bowness, like you suggest being in the running, what is the opinion of a Mark Recchi as an assistant coach, does he get high enough grades for the job. The reason I say this Bowness is 70 years old, have a plan in place. What is your opinion? I suggested this when they hired Monty, maybe my opinion of Recchi is wrong. The other guy, that I would consider as a coach would be Gallant, I know he has history of having a short shelf life, and maybe that is where a Recchi comes in, and that way you have outside voices, and some continuity.

I like Bowness but my understanding is they will keep Sacco and I’m all got it

Give him a healthy
McAvoy
Lindolm
Marchand
Coyle
Frederic
Carlo

They are a playoff time

Love the quick 5 week retool by Donny

It’s refreshing to me to have leadership who are at my level of hockey knowledge

I’m at about 100 prospects in the 2025 draft on way to 125

Looking over back drafts Zellers, Khusnutdinov, and Minton are guys who all got the DKH red star of 10 prospects i identified as sleepers/under the radar I targeted

Geekie was another one as was DiPietro

Viel I had as well (I’d like to see him up on 4th line)

Aside : I’m team Sacco/Kelly/Leach with a healthy squad

 

[ON3M4N]

My crazy theory.....Sweeney & Neely name Sacco there guy for next season. They'll give him 1yr to "prove it" and if it doesn't work they'll let him go to save their own asses. I can already hear Sweeney in the pressure now:

"On behalf of the Jacobs Family & Cam Neely, I'm pleased to announce Joe Sacco as our new head coach for the upcoming 2025-2026 NHL season. Joe is a familiar face within our organization, having been a pillar of our coaching staff for over a decade. His deep understanding of our players, our system, and the Bruins' culture is invaluable. While the results of the 2024-2025 season did not meet our expectations, Joe stepped into a challenging situation and demonstrated his ability to lead and adapt. He worked diligently to stabilize the team, and we were impressed with his efforts under difficult circumstances. We believe Joe's experience, his familiarity with our players, and his dedication to the Bruins make him the ideal choice to guide us forward. We are confident that he will bring the leadership and stability necessary for are organization to get back to being a contender."

 

[McGarnagle]

Jeremy Swayman as player-coach

His intro to organizational leadership class in his MBA program has prepared him for this moment. A great leader of men and inspiration to all wearing the spoked B.

 

[ON3M4N]

Jeremy Swayman as player-coach

His intro to organizational leadership class in his MBA program has prepared him for this moment. A great leader of men and inspiration to all wearing the spoked B.

FFS can we get one thread where we don't have to involve Swayman?

 

[PlayMakers]

I think it will be Donskov, which is great. A new face, new ideas, new approach...

I bet he picks over the carcass of the Bruins coaching staff and keeps a couple guys, but also brings in guys he knows and trusts.

One would think, with the experience he has, that he'll be a great head coach. He's been around the great coaches in the game, he's a great 1on1 communicator, he's excellent at analyzing and breaking down systems and opponents (that's what he does for Dallas). And, Sweeney hired him for 4nations so he's already familiar with him.

 

[Over the volcano]

I think it will be Donskov, which is great. A new face, new ideas, new approach...

I bet he picks over the carcass of the Bruins coaching staff and keeps a couple guys, but also brings in guys he knows and trusts.

One would think, with the experience he has, that he'll be a great head coach. He's been around the great coaches in the game, he's a great 1on1 communicator, he's excellent at analyzing and breaking down systems and opponents (that's what he does for Dallas). And, Sweeney hired him for 4nations so he's already familiar with him.

He'd be a great voice in the room when it comes to building the roster too.

Would take some stones to hire a guy who's never been a head coach though

 

[Kegs]

I picked torts. But I’d rather dale hunter. Didn’t think he was an option.

 

[Kegs]

He'd be a great voice in the room when it comes to building the roster too.

Would take some stones to hire a guy who's never been a head coach though

Not if they dream of picking some top 5 draft picks. :p

 

[Over the volcano]

Not if they dream of picking some top 5 draft picks. :p

You just posted that you'd go with Tortorella who has Philly in line for #5 overall in a couple months

 

[Hookslide]

I like Bowness but my understanding is they will keep Sacco and I’m all got it

Give him a healthy
McAvoy
Lindolm
Marchand
Coyle
Frederic
Carlo

They are a playoff time

Love the quick 5 week retool by Donny

It’s refreshing to me to have leadership who are at my level of hockey knowledge

I’m at about 100 prospects in the 2025 draft on way to 125

Looking over back drafts Zellers, Khusnutdinov, and Minton are guys who all got the DKH red star of 10 prospects i identified as sleepers/under the radar I targeted

Geekie was another one as was DiPietro

Viel I had as well (I’d like to see him up on 4th line)

Aside : I’m team Sacco/Kelly/Leach with a healthy squad

I am in agreement, with you on the prospect idea, but they need to do a better job drafting, also developing these prospects.
I am not totally on board with Sacco idea, but I must say the guy was left with a shitty hand to play, and feel for the guy, and truly feel that way, but am definite no on Kelly, and Leach, let him pick his own staff, should not need to be looking over his shoulder.
I also feel there a internal problem that needs to be addressed, especially when you are bringing in so many young guys.

 

[DKH]

I am in agreement, with you on the prospect idea, but they need to do a better job drafting, also developing these prospects.
I am not totally on board with Sacco idea, but I must say the guy was left with a shitty hand to play, and feel for the guy, and truly feel that way, but am definite no on Kelly, and Leach, let him pick his own staff, should not need to be looking over his shoulder.
I also feel there an internal problem that needs to be addressed, especially when you are bringing in so many young guys.

I like Sacco but apparently some hockey insider named Joshua Deeds insinuating Sacco fired or will be officiating after season lol

Joe Sacco Fired? A New Development Has Surfaced In The Boston Bruins Firing Their Head Coach

Will Joe Sacco lose the interim title and position at the end of the season?

www.bruinsinsider.com

 

[nORRis8]

We maybe should have won a couple Stanley Cups in the 1980s but we didn't.
Still I recall we had some coaches that were former players who stepped up without any experience and they were impressive.
Gerry Cheevers went from the from the crease to directly behind the bench and put up incredible numbers especially in 1983.
Terry O'Reilly took over after that and was impressive.
Millbury came in 1987 to 1991.... as quirky as Mike could be he put up some incredible numbers including taking them to the finals twice.

Thus I voted for Patrice. He knows the organization and I think he has more than enough respect to have players listen to him.
Either that or get them behind the bench as an. Assistant.