I'm one of those that would always prefer a french speaking (not necessarily as a first language) coach. But not if there's a better coach available. Babcock is the best there is so he'd be a no brainer, slam dunk hire. I know there are groups out there who might make a fuss, but the overwhelming majority would be thrilled to have the best coach in the world. A lot of the Cunneyworth backlash was around the fact that he was a no-name (coaching wise) hire. I think the attitude was "if you hiring a coach just to hire one, at least hire a french speaking coach." That's how I felt anyway. I don't think anyone could argue that he was the best available. They could've at least let a francophone without NHL coaching experience get his feet wet and his name out there. It's no secret that there are more barriers to francophone coaches in the NHL than anglophones. Not to the degree of european coaches obviously but it's still there. It's nor surprise that the majority of francophones coaches in the NHL broke into the league through the Canadiens (Burns, Vigneault, Therrien, Julien), or even their AHL affiliate (like Boucher). Its not the only way in, but it's the main one. I'm not saying the Habs have an obligation to hire a francophone, they should always hire the best available, end of discussion. But hey, if you're hiring an interim coach to ride out a season, why not give a local guy a chance.
TLDR:
Hire best coach available