As a Michigan grad, I would love for Babs to take over for Red. He started at McGill University so he clearly loves the college game and understands it. It would be great for the Wolverines to have a Cup winning coach. And though I think Babs is severely underrated here (yes, I know people aren't saying his history isn't good they're saying he's been too inflexible lately), I think people ignore the fact that people in charge are more prone to try to maintain the status quo than outsiders who don't have a job at stake. The bottom line is he's adapted (because he's had to, yes), but he's done it. We have a productive 3rd line of all rookies. He's loved a rookie D-man (that most of us haven't) and another one (that we have). He's keeping Sammy sidelined in favor of a hot team with a lot of youth. He was forced to do it, but he's doing it. And yeah, he's had the toughest job as the Wings coach of any season he's been here and we might make the playoffs... and do some damage based on our recent play.
Yes, I agree teams tune out coaches, but he's probably earned the rest of his contract unless there's a revolt brewing. And based on the team's play lately, I don't think that's the case. He's giving them a chance to win and he's adjusting/adapting. Babs isn't the problem. He's not clearly the solution, but he might be. And I'd rather have him than anyone else. And taking a chance on a random person... eh.