After Ian Laperriere took the job to become the Lehigh Valley Phantoms head coach, the Flyers had an opening on their staff. The team had previously spoken that they were indeed looking to hire a new assistant to fill Laperriere’s role behind the bench. And they have found one in Darryl Williams.
Williams is very familiar with an Alain Vigneault coached team. This will be his third stint as an assistant coach with Vigneault. He was previously with the Vancouver Canucks from 2008-2014. Five of those seasons were with Vigneault, one of which being the Canucks 2011 Stanley Cup Final appearance.
Williams was also an assistant coach with the New York Rangers immediately following that from 2014-2018. That was 10 seasons in the NHL as an assistant, nine of which were under Vigneault.
"“Darryl has experience at every level and I am confident that he will fit seamlessly into our coaching staff. There is a high level of familiarity having worked with Darryl for several years and I know what he is capable of to help bring success to our group.”"
Prior to coming to the NHL, Williams resume spans many different leagues, dating all the way back to 2005-06 where he was an associate coach for the St. John’s Fog Devils of the QMJHL. He spent time in the United Hockey League and the AHL as well. His previous position came in the ECHL with the Newfoundland Growlers where he was an assistant coach for the last two seasons.
So Williams has a vast amount of experience when it comes to being an assistant. He also has some experience playing professionally as well. An 11 year career saw Williams mostly appearing the the AHL and the International Hockey League. He did play two games for the Los Angeles Kings during the 1992-93 season.
He registered 126 goals and posted 283 points over a span of 676 games between the AHL and IHL.
"“I’m honored to join the Philadelphia Flyers organization. I can’t wait to get started with such a great staff and an exciting group of players.”"
Williams joins a staff that still features the likes of Mike Yeo and Michel Therrien as well as Kim Dillabaugh and Adam Patterson.