A day after the news broke that Mike Babcock had resigned as the Head Coach of the University of Saskatchewan’s men’s hockey team, Babcock himself is providing some more clarity as to why he made that decision. In an interview today on 650 CKOM radio in Saskatchewan, Babcock discussed his decision and his future plans. When asked if he would seek an NHL opportunity if a team approached, Babcock said “[n]o, that’s sure not the plan.”
The former NHL bench boss elaborated, saying he had discussed his plans with his wife, noting that they had decided to retire when they both turned 60, and with Mike at age 59, “[b]asically, that’s what it is.” While Babcock reiterated that future opportunities for him are not in his family plans, he didn’t close the door with absolute certainty, adding “[i]f things change, I guess they change, but surely that’s not the plan.” Babcock’s tenure with Saskatchewan was brief, albeit successful, coaching the Huskies to a playoff berth. A Saskatchewan native, Babcock said the opportunity to be close to home and family was “a spectacular experience.”
Considered one of the premier head coaches of his generation, Babcock amassed a record of 700-418-19-164 over 1,301 career regular season NHL games between the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, the Detroit Red Wings, and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Perhaps most impressive, all but three of Babcock’s teams made it to the playoffs under his watch, leading to a 90-74 record in those playoffs, including three appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals and a championship with the 2007-08 Detroit Red Wings. Babcock last coached in the NHL during the 2019-20 season before he was let go by the Maple Leafs after a 9-10-4 start to the season. As recently as the 2020 offseason, he had been a candidate of interest for available NHL head coaching positions. If this is indeed the end of the road for Babcock, Hall of Fame debates are very likely part of his near future.
Wow, @John, that’s big! A bit unexpected, too. It’s almost like everybody in Rock Ridge heard he might be headed their way, and started slamming their doors shut. They’d rather deal with Mongo.
Telegram for Mongo!!
@Palehosed85 – No, CANDYGRAM for Mongo! Maybe he’ll let the scam maggots have his, right after we lace it with…hmm…how about the leftover “dessert” from the Brewster sisters? And a visit from Johnny and Dr. Einstein, just to make sure.
Mongo only pawn in game of life.
@bucsfan – Need pawn to kick the scam maggots square in the chops and make it look like an on-purpose.
He will be back in. Couple of years !
@lapcheung39 – That’s what we’re afraid of. :( Babs betting on Babs again.
Say what you want about Mike Babcock, his Canadian accent was an A+, eh.
TLDR, he realized that no NHL team was going to hire him to abuse and bully their players anytime soon. Therefore, “he made the decision” to retire. Classic, “You can’t fire me, I quit!”
Hall of Fame debate? Seriously? Hell no. Debate over.
He was and is still a great coach say all what you want but is still great..Hall of Fame probably NO…But could still coach in the NHL any day…
The U of Saskatchewan is coaching? Huh, Who knew. Like being the Mayor of Freaky Town.
I would welcome him back to Anaheim in a heartbeat!
Ducks fans are easily the most delusional out of any fan base.
A somewhat disingenuous article. There should have been at least some mention of his disgraceful treatment of players in Toronto and Detroit which led to his coaching career being cut short. If he ends up in the HOF it would be bad for hockey.
If he ends up in the HOF, it’s because he bought a ticket and was allowed to enter the building to look at other people’s plaques.
LOL !
Yeah zero chance Babcock gets the hall call, where you been.
Has anyone asked Mike Babcock what Mike Babcock thinks about Mike Babcock???