Confirmed with Link: John Gruden named Marlies Head Coach

[SprDaVE]

Gruden, 53, joins the Marlies after serving as assistant coach this past season with the Boston Bruins and previously held the same position from 2018-22 with the New York Islanders. As head coach of the Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL), he led the club to the 2018 OHL Championship and compiled a record of 76-45-8-7 through two seasons (2016-18). Gruden also served as head coach for the Flint Firebirds (OHL) during the 2015-16 season.

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[ACC1224]

Thought you meant 'Chucky' at first.

 

[WaW]

Quick, someone check his emails.

 

[Fogelhund]

Seems to be a good hire.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

Seems to be a good hire.

Doesn't seem like a guy who should be replacing Keefe though, if it ever comes to that.

 

[SprDaVE]

They went with someone that has a lot of coaching experience both at Junior and AHL/NHL level. Seems like a good one. We'll see how he does.

 

[The Masters]

good luck

 

[andora]

Kinda predicts what hyman will look like at 50

 

[Hughes Hefner]

Doesn't seem like a guy who should be replacing Keefe though, if it ever comes to that.

He does have impressive credentials, he has been an assistant for Barry Trotz for a few years. He was just recently on the Boston staff that had a incredible regular season. He also led Hamilton to a ohl championship and was rumored to be a head coaching candidate for ottawa because of the connection with the new Seanators owner who previously owned Hamilton. He definitely has the resume going forward to be a head coach

 

[justashadowof]

The only question I ask is why did he not stay with the Bruins as an assistant?

 

[hockeywiz542]

 

[SprDaVE]

The only question I ask is why did he not stay with the Bruins as an assistant?

Opportunity? Money? Both? I've seen many assistant coaches leave to head coach in Junior. Sometimes you need to take a step back to move forward.

 

[Magic Man]

The only question I ask is why did he not stay with the Bruins as an assistant?

He's been an assistant coach in the NHL under good coaches and teams, he's been a head coach at the OHL level and won a championship, but he's never been a head coach at the pro level. I think this is a resume builder in a lucrative position. He is going to get some attention if the Marlies do well.

 

[stickty111]

Decent hire I guess. Lets see how he does

 

[Dekes For Days]

Don't know too much about him, but he seems to have a decent resume. Glad we got that position sorted out. Only thing now is to wait and see how he does.

 

[shaner8989]

Love to see a change at head coach there.

 

[hockeynorth]

Has a history with Hardy

I think Hardy might be getting more responsibility under Treliving, which is interesting, I thought for sure he’d be gone.

 

[Niagara Bill]

There is no possible way that he can prepare FEWER players to help the Leafs than the last group. So the floor is set in stone. Onward and upward McDuff.

 

[Go4soda]

The only question I ask is why did he not stay with the Bruins as an assistant?

he saw keefe and smelled blood.

 

[Lauro]

He was great playing as a captain for my hometown Eisbären Berlin in 2002-03

 

[Ciao]

I just read his bio and I'm not catching something here

What's his connection to Sault Ste. Marie?

 

[The Iceman]

I am not catching why leave the President Trophy and record breaking team as the lead assistant D and PP coach to coach the Marlies?

 

[Tufted Titmouse]

I am not catching why leave the President Trophy and record breaking team as the lead assistant D and PP coach to coach the Marlies?

Maybe he sees an upward path. Keefe not exactly locked in. The Toronto teams get a lot of exposure, too.

 

[TheKrebsCycle]

I am not catching why leave the President Trophy and record breaking team as the lead assistant D and PP coach to coach the Marlies?

Probably a nice pay day /exposure

 

[MSZ]

I am not catching why leave the President Trophy and record breaking team as the lead assistant D and PP coach to coach the Marlies?

Most former Marlies coaches seem to have decent NHL coaching careers so why not?