After coming to a mutual agreement to part ways with long-time head coach Dave Tippett, the Arizona Coyotes are on the search for their next head coach. An early candidate is Todd Nelson of the Grand Rapids Griffins, who has been given permission from the Detroit Red Wings to interview for the position according to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press.
Nelson was previously the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers for a short time, and recently guided the Griffins to a Calder Cup victory in the AHL. Considered a top candidate for several jobs this spring, he’s been passed over so far for the chance to lead an NHL club again.
A fourth-round pick of the Penguins in his playing days, Nelson made it into just three NHL games throughout his decade-plus in professional hockey. Bouncing around the minor leagues and even Europe, he’s already found more success in the coaching ranks than he did as a player. He’s the first out of what will likely be many candidates connected to the job, as the Coyotes try as quickly as possible to install a new head coach. They’ll also be filling an associate coach role, as Sarah McLellan of AZ Central reports that another mutual termination has come between Jim Playfair and the team. Despite being at development camp, the long-time coach initiated the parting.
Nelson would be a solid choice.