Assistant Coaching ** Joe Mullen Will Not Return per Organization

[Sawdalite]

I really thought they would go into the season with the PK playing a different style because when the changed it in the series against Washington to be more aggressive it looked 100% better.

I do like the insertion of Simmonds on the PK... and I believe he has been more aggressive in that role. Overall though the PK does have to be improved... and a new person running it would be a good start.

 

[Magua]

The assistants now are pretty incompetent yes men. Not sure Hakstol hiring colleagues he has been around for years would be that great either in the big picture.

A lot of these issues are not just with the assistants (bad as they are), but with Hakstol, who clearly directs or agrees with their decisions. Hiring guys he has a long and close rapport with doesn't really correct any of his bad habits. It could even put these flaws and tendencies more front and center. If they were Hakstol's long-time assistants and friends to begin with, odds are they're likeminded and in very close agreement on most things. And they didn't have much or any pro experience either, which is important.

He does seem like a trusting and loyal guy though. Wouldn't shock me to see him go to bat for his current assistants.

 

[Winston Wolf]

IIRC Terry Murray would have been added as a fourth Assistant... but before he was offered the position, he was offered and accepted the same position in Buffalo by his nephew who was the Sabre's GM.

While Hakstol is said to have the call on the Assistants, IMO he followed the leanings of Hextall and stayed with the three there... His UND assistant could have been a fourth had he not taken the UND position. Hak did I'm sure go through all the motions with interviewing the three current ACs as well as Murray and Berry... but I don't recall hearing of him interviewing any others.

While I guess it can be said that he did select his ACs, I believe he and Hexy said that they discussed the candidates and the roles that the Flyers needed and decided to stay with what was in place... I'd say that Hak listened to Hexy's suggestions and selected his ACs after their consulting. That said, I still feel that he basically 'inherited' his ACs... with the right of refusal.

... I would think that after a couple Seasons of NHL under his belt, he could decide to switch things up... if he so chooses.

Terry Murray actually didn't accept the Sabres' offer until the Flyers told him they wouldn't be hiring him.

I think you're a little more forgiving than I am. It could have been different behind closed doors, but Hextall made it pretty clear in the media that staff decisions were completely up to Hakstol. As far as I know, he only interviewed the current assistants and Terry Murray. I remember I wanted them replaced at the time in order to avoid a situation like they're in right now. Hakstol was in a great position to break up some of the organizational nepotism, but instead he took the easy way out.

I think Hakstol is pretty much culpable for his choice of assistants. Hextall attempted to get him to leave UND three times and made him one of the highest paid coaches in the league. I think he had complete control over the direction of his staff. Not even conducting any interviews with candidates outside of the organization is another reason why I think he was out of his element for this job.

Now who do you bring in? Hakstol will be in year three of his five year contract and if next year goes the way this year did, I don't think he'll be lasting too long. They almost might as well stick with what they have right now.

 

[Sawdalite]

Terry Murray actually didn't accept the Sabres' offer until the Flyers told him they wouldn't be hiring him.

I think you're a little more forgiving than I am. It could have been different behind closed doors, but Hextall made it pretty clear in the media that staff decisions were completely up to Hakstol. As far as I know, he only interviewed the current assistants and Terry Murray. I remember I wanted them replaced at the time in order to avoid a situation like they're in right now. Hakstol was in a great position to break up some of the organizational nepotism, but instead he took the easy way out.

I think Hakstol is pretty much culpable for his choice of assistants. Hextall attempted to get him to leave UND three times and made him one of the highest paid coaches in the league. I think he had complete control over the direction of his staff. Not even conducting any interviews with candidates outside of the organization is another reason why I think he was out of his element for this job.

Now who do you bring in? Hakstol will be in year three of his five year contract and if next year goes the way this year did, I don't think he'll be lasting too long. They almost might as well stick with what they have right now.

It's funny how different people look at things totally differently at times... You see it as me being more forgiving... while I take it as my being more suspicious.

I find it hard to believe that Hakstol would not look past the incumbent coaches and Murray... who had to have been 'suggested' to him from Hextall, who once played under him in Philly... Why, if he actually and REALLY had full reigns, would he limit himself so greatly?

He could have delved down into the pool of college coaches he worked with... or competed against... for one or so of the coaches... He could have also checked out some other experienced NHL coaches, ala Terry Murray, who have established themselves and displayed needed traits, but were not is a position to step back in the HC role in the NHL.

I'm just feeling that Hexy's and Homer's 'suggestions' were more than mere suggestions... I suppose I'm not very knowledgeable in this, but as GM, isn't Hexy responsible for all coaching hires, when all is said and done? Doesn't he and, I suppose the President (Homer), have final say so in the matter? Hakstol doesn't appear to be a lazy sort... nor does he seem the sort that is not willing to check out all available avenues... but he also may not be one to not see the writing on the wall, and to not take a not so subtle hint... I'm of the opinion that he was basically told that the Flyers were happy with the existing Assistants and any change would have to be done after completely convincing them that they were wrong.

All being merely my outsider's opinion... It will be interesting to see if after missing the PostSeason Hak doesn't seek some changes... lest next Season's major OffSeason change might be he himself.

 

[Captain Dave Poulin]

Saw, I actually don't think it's any more complicated or conspiratorial than fitting into Hacksaw's small town, farm town, white bread, milk and cookies, meat and potatoes, quotidian, low risk, no risk, milquetoast Protestant work ethic and philosophy, i.e. "Don't rock the boat"

 

[Winston Wolf]

It's funny how different people look at things totally differently at times... You see it as me being more forgiving... while I take it as my being more suspicious.

I find it hard to believe that Hakstol would not look past the incumbent coaches and Murray... who had to have been 'suggested' to him from Hextall, who once played under him in Philly... Why, if he actually and REALLY had full reigns, would he limit himself so greatly?

He could have delved down into the pool of college coaches he worked with... or competed against... for one or so of the coaches... He could have also checked out some other experienced NHL coaches, ala Terry Murray, who have established themselves and displayed needed traits, but were not is a position to step back in the HC role in the NHL.

I'm just feeling that Hexy's and Homer's 'suggestions' were more than mere suggestions... I suppose I'm not very knowledgeable in this, but as GM, isn't Hexy responsible for all coaching hires, when all is said and done? Doesn't he and, I suppose the President (Homer), have final say so in the matter? Hakstol doesn't appear to be a lazy sort... nor does he seem the sort that is not willing to check out all available avenues... but he also may not be one to not see the writing on the wall, and to not take a not so subtle hint... I'm of the opinion that he was basically told that the Flyers were happy with the existing Assistants and any change would have to be done after completely convincing them that they were wrong.

All being merely my outsider's opinion... It will be interesting to see if after missing the PostSeason Hak doesn't seek some changes... lest next Season's major OffSeason change might be he himself.

I guess I said "more forgiving" as it seemed you didn't want to blame Hakstol for the assistant coaches. I never heard anything about Hextall suggesting to keep the staff or anything like that. Hextall actually came out after hiring Hakstol and said that the rest of the staff's future is up in the air and completely up to Hakstol. He could be lying, but I pretty much doubt it.

If Hakstol would've interviewed 5+ organic candidates and decided to keep the old staff, I'd probably be a little more understanding. I kind of expect that a guy hired to be an NHL coach would be able to actually hold a real interview process. Not to simplify it too much, but $15 per hour fast food managers are tasked with conducting interviews for their staff. Maybe I'm expecting a little too much for a paltry $2M a year.

I blame Hextall for having tunnel vision and being fixated on Hakstol, but I don't think he's to blame for keeping the staff on board. Hakstol's first question should've been, "Why are these guys coaching here?" If the answer was, "They needed a job and they used to play here," they should've been replaced immediately. Just my opinion.

 

[dats81]

I understand that the head coach picks his staff and that a GM should not interfer with coaching decisions.

But to my understanding Hextall should absolutely put the finger in the wound and let them know what is not good enough in terms of coaching. Behind closed doors of course.
Same for the advanced analytics guy ... (sorry, I forgot his name). He should as well tell them how much their PK sucks in comparison to the rest of their league.

And if Hakstol is willing to learn and reflect on his own performance and that of his team, he should get the message.

 

[LegionOfDoom91]

I understand that the head coach picks his staff and that a GM should not interfer with coaching decisions.

But to my understanding Hextall should absolutely put the finger in the wound and let them know what is not good enough in terms of coaching. Behind closed doors of course.
Same for the advanced analytics guy ... (sorry, I forgot his name). He should as well tell them how much their PK sucks in comparison to the rest of their league.

And if Hakstol is willing to learn and reflect on his own performance and that of his team, he should get the message.

Don't worry those in the organization likely don't know it either.

 

[Psuhockey]

It will be interesting to see if after missing the PostSeason Hak doesn't seek some changes... lest next Season's major OffSeason change might be he himself.

Unless this team goes belly up and finished bottom of the league bad next year, I think Hakstol is getting another two years regardless of making the playoffs. Hextall wouldn't take no for an answer during his recruitment so I don't think he will be fired so soon after leaving North Dakota. Plus look at the deadline resignings and it appears Hextal and Hakstol see eye to eye on player usage. The firing of assitants might be used next offseason to give him some cover instead of this year.

 

[Sawdalite]

I guess I said "more forgiving" as it seemed you didn't want to blame Hakstol for the assistant coaches. I never heard anything about Hextall suggesting to keep the staff or anything like that. Hextall actually came out after hiring Hakstol and said that the rest of the staff's future is up in the air and completely up to Hakstol. He could be lying, but I pretty much doubt it.

If Hakstol would've interviewed 5+ organic candidates and decided to keep the old staff, I'd probably be a little more understanding. I kind of expect that a guy hired to be an NHL coach would be able to actually hold a real interview process. Not to simplify it too much, but $15 per hour fast food managers are tasked with conducting interviews for their staff. Maybe I'm expecting a little too much for a paltry $2M a year.

I blame Hextall for having tunnel vision and being fixated on Hakstol, but I don't think he's to blame for keeping the staff on board. Hakstol's first question should've been, "Why are these guys coaching here?" If the answer was, "They needed a job and they used to play here," they should've been replaced immediately. Just my opinion.

I really think that we are basically on the same page... and maybe my being forgiving to you is merely my failure to believe that Hakstol would have hired the incumbents without seeking options, without being ordered to do so... nor to believe that Hextall would allow that to happen without using the Veto Power that he would have to have... he is responsible for everything that happens on his watch... ergo; he should be able to overrule... correct?

I know nothing about Hextall directing Hakstol on exactly what to do... and who to retain... I do know that if it smells like fish, it probably is.

Please give me bonus points for not using the overused walks/talks like a duck analogy.

... I suppose it's just that I don't want to believe that Hakstol would act so blindly... and Hextall would allow it if he did.

 

[Captain Dave Poulin]

I really think that we are basically on the same page... and maybe my being forgiving to you is merely my failure to believe that Hakstol would have hired the incumbents without seeking options, without being ordered to do so... nor to believe that Hextall would allow that to happen without using the Veto Power that he would have to have... he is responsible for everything that happens on his watch... ergo; he should be able to overrule... correct?

I know nothing about Hextall directing Hakstol on exactly what to do... and who to retain... I do know that if it smells like fish, it probably is.

Please give me bonus points for not using the overused walks/talks like a duck analogy.

... I suppose it's just that I don't want to believe that Hakstol would act so blindly... and Hextall would allow it if he did.

If it's a pale off-white color and ****s on your head, it's a pigeon.

 

[Sawdalite]

If it's a pale off-white color and ****s on your head, it's a pigeon.

And please don't forget the weird warm feeling it has as it lays on your head before you can get it off.

 

[Sawdalite]

Joe Mullen and PowerPlay

Joe Mullen will not be brought back... PP Specialist Coach being sought.


Per Bill Meltzer's HB Blog:

After a decade in the Flyers organization as a power play and forwards coach, Hockey Hall of Famer Joe Mullen's contract will not be renewed for next season. Despite the fact that the Flyers' power play has annually clicked near or above 20 percent, Hextall said he had a gut feeling it was time for a change. The power play went through a roller coaster season after a hot start this season. All other NHL assistant coaches are being retained: defense coach Gord Murphy, penalty killing and rehab/extra skating coach Ian Laperriere and goaltending coach Kim Dillabaugh.

 

[whitstifier]

Joe Mullen will not be brought back... PP Specialist Coach being sought.


Per Bill Meltzer's HB Blog:

Hmm... this solves nothing

 

[Magua]

Find it slightly/barely/microscopically interesting that the only guy who gets fired is the one who isn't behind the bench

 

[Rebels57]

Glad to see Mullen go but keeping one of the worst PK coaches in the league on is really dissapointing.

 

[Sawdalite]

Hmm... this solves nothing

... Agreed; nothing is solved... But it is a start, and a change in one area.

Who is brought in may make a difference with the Talent he will inherit... Also, there is no word on how any Assistants will be brought in for next Season... I wouldn't mind Hakstol having another eye in the PressBox, and voice in his ear. I'm not holding my breath on it though.

 

[bb12]

Nothing says remain my as Assistance's so I will keep hope that Lapps goes back to player development and we get TWO new assistant coaches

 

[LegionOfDoom91]

I mentioned Davis Payne the other day being let go from LA. He ran their PP there so it might be something to look at.

 

[whitstifier]

Nothing says remain my as Assistance's so I will keep hope that Lapps goes back to player development and we get TWO new assistant coaches

Are people happy with Dillabaugh?

 

[BobbyClarkeFan16]

Are people happy with Dillabaugh?

It's not his fault Mason and Neuvirth couldn't stop a beach ball this year. They were alright the year before under his watch, so I imagine he wouldn't have changed things if they were working before. If anything, I blame Mason and Neuvirth for getting caught up in their contract status situation.

 

[DrinkFightFlyers]

It begins...

 

[tictactoe]

Lappi should be next.

 

[Rebels57]

Are people happy with Dillabaugh?

Year 1 - Yes
Year 2 - Hard to say - he did help Mason improve in shootouts and Mase eventually found his groove, but it took too long

 

[Embiid]

A decade is ridiculous. Reminds of Lemelin who was shocked that he didn't have a job for life with the Flyers when he was finally canned...