Boston, MA – September 20: Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney speaks with the media. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Bruins’ Coaching Search Heats Up: Final Interviews Set as Top Contenders and Surprise Names Emerge
As the NHL offseason progresses, the Boston Bruins remain one of just three teams still without a head coach, alongside the Pittsburgh Penguins and Seattle Kraken. However, recent developments suggest that Boston’s search is intensifying and nearing its final stages.
According to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, the Bruins are set to conduct final interviews with coaching candidates next week. This marks a significant step forward in the franchise’s quest to fill the void left after the mid-season departure of Jim Montgomery. LeBrun reports that the Bruins have engaged with a wide array of coaching prospects, including both familiar faces and fresh contenders.
Among those interviewed are Marco Sturm, Jay Woodcroft, Mitch Love, Luke Richardson, Joe Sacco, and Jay Leach. Each brings a unique resume and potential direction for the future of the Bruins. Joe Sacco, who assumed the interim head coaching role following Montgomery’s dismissal last November, remains a strong internal option. General manager Don Sweeney has publicly stated that both Sacco and assistant coach Jay Leach are firmly in consideration.
Jay Woodcroft stands out as one of the more intriguing candidates. Despite a rough start to the 2023-24 season that led to his dismissal by the Edmonton Oilers, Woodcroft’s brief tenure featured notable success, including a trip to the Western Conference Final. His reputation as a bright, modern-thinking coach with experience in a passionate hockey market makes him an appealing choice for a Bruins team eager to stay competitive.
Sweeney, in a recent interview with Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald, clarified that the Bruins are not holding off on any candidates currently involved in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. This confirmation effectively rules out Dallas Stars assistant coach Misha Donskov, who had previously been mentioned in coaching rumors. “Unless something changes, that would eliminate one coach who has been a leader in the rumor mill clubhouse,” Conroy noted.
Insider Provides Big Update On Bruins’ Coaching SearchMarco Sturm, a former Bruins player and current coach with international and NHL assistant experience, also adds an interesting dynamic to the mix. Mitch Love, known for his success at the AHL level, and Luke Richardson, who has NHL head coaching experience with the Chicago Blackhawks, further expand Boston’s options.
The Bruins’ front office appears committed to a thorough and deliberate process, evaluating each candidate on their leadership qualities, adaptability, and ability to guide a high-expectation roster. With the core of the team still capable of contending, choosing the right bench boss could be pivotal for Boston’s immediate future.
As final interviews approach, fans and analysts alike are watching closely. Whether the team opts for a familiar face or a bold new direction, the Bruins’ next head coach will be stepping into one of the NHL’s most scrutinized and storied positions. With the search nearing its conclusion, Boston may soon introduce a new leader ready to guide the team into its next chapter.