Corby78
65 - 10 - 20
Remember there are questions about GMGM's plans and fate. He's not going to fire the coach in the last few games after missing the playoffs and then go around the league with his hat in his hand saying "I did a good job, it was THAT guy's fault" and get away with it. And no other team in the league is going to like the optics of such a situation or want such a thing happening in their locker room. So it isn't happening here, imo.
As for the Caps, firing Oates isn't enough. GMGM has to go. He's the one who's responsible for the coach AND the players, and year after year he's failed to fit the two pieces together. Oates would be yet another coach GMGM has hired that did not know what to do with the players given to him, and with whom GMGM did not seem to vet thoroughly enough regarding style and plans vs. personnel.
There is no way you want this GM hiring another coach when all he seems to do is fall in love with a good interview or the idea of what kind of an organizational fit there is historically. He has had some kind of connection with every coach he's hired, I believe, and they've all been rookies. Then he seems to step back and lob players at them and they do their thing. Later on he says it wasn't what he expected.
Well WHY NOT? Isn't it your JOB to hire guys who will enact your organizational plan? Isn't it your job to monitor the progress and communicate expectations? How is it you keep acquiring what you say are top 6 players only to have them end up on the 4th line? Why do key players keep getting scratched or asking for trades?
Firing Oates likely only changes the name on the door. GMGM has to be shown the door first, or else the next coach will be yet another barely vetted rookie with connections to GMGM that becomes a scapegoat when it all falls apart in April.
I agree with this. But gmgm isn't the only guy who can fire Oates. And if Ted is serious, and knows he is retooling his staff, then pull the trigger.