Now that the John Tortorella Era of Flyers history is over, it's time to examine who could helm the team in 2025-26 and beyond. The Flyers will have to regroup and try to move forward. There are a lot of names out there that are starting to be floated around, both internal and external. Some of these could happen and some might be way out there. It all depends on who Daniel Briere and Co. decide is the best fit.
Now before we begin, there are a few former Flyers coaches who could be available (Craig Berube, Peter Laviolette). I'm not going to include them here, but keep in mind that they could be considered. Also, it could be that Briere has someone in mind already and they are just waiting. This is all just speculation. However, let's look at some people who could be good fits for the club.
Brad Shaw
The Flyers won with Brad Shaw in a very emotional game. He's only getting nine games to audition for the role. But in his first game, the club scored six goals. Man. This team has gone stretches of 3-4 games where they haven't scored six goals. Did he unlock something with them in the offense? Is this a sign of things to come?
The knock on him is why he has not been an official head coach in the NHL before. He was the interim for the Islanders for 40 games during the 2004-05 season, where he earned an 18-18-4 record. Why hasn't he been given more of an opportunity?
Then again, Rob Thomson was never a coach in the MLB. Phillies threw him into the role after firing Joe Girardi. He took them to the World Series that year and the playoffs every year since. Maybe someone needs a chance in order to shine. We'll see what the next few weeks brings and how he clicks with the players.
Ian Laperrière
You would think that the Phantoms' coach would be an heir apparent to the role. After all, Laperriere is familiar with a lot of the younger players. He knows what they can do. He was a teammate of Briere and there is some familiarity there. However, the Phantoms haven't set the lights on fire over the last few years. Is that Laperriere's fault or poor drafting by the Flyers? Still, he could be a name to watch.
Rick Tocchet
Tocchet is a former Flyer and a fan favorite. He's known for being a tough grinder-type player. He has years of coaching experience. He is currently a coach in Vancouver and is on an expiring contract. Will he be available? It wasn't that long ago that the Canucks were a bottom dwelling sell off team. Now they are in the playoff hunt. He could be great for a team on the rebuild.
Jay Woodcroft
The former coach of the Edmonton Oilers and current assistant coach of Team Canada in the IIHF competitions is looking for a home. He's worked with some of the top names in the game, both on the Oilers and with Team Canada. He's young (48) and could probably help a young team like the Flyers out.
David Carle
Speaking of guys working with young players, Carle is the head of the Team USA National Junior Team. He is a guy who can teach and coach and is probably familiar with a lot of the Flyers, either coaching them directly or coaching against them. He's won two gold medals with Team USA as well as two NCAA Championships with the Univ of Denver. Would the Flyers roll the dice with another college coach after the Dave Hakstol experience?
Todd McLellan
It's been a while since McLellan had any level of success like he had with the Sharks over a decade ago. Most recently, he took a mediocre team in Los Angeles, took them to the playoffs, and got bounced first round. He was fired early on this season. He's got the pedigree and experience. However, he hasn't had the level of success you'd hope for. Still, he's also available.
Mike Sullivan
How great would it be to take a coach from a rival team, one who has won championships, and hire him to turn this team into a winner? It's been a hot minute since the Penguins won back-to-back Stanley Cups. The team has gotten older and made poor personnel decisions. There are a lot of indications that the team could let him go at the end of this season, as the Pens will miss the playoffs for the third straight season. Would he trade Sheetz for Wawa? Would he be a good fit here?
Jessica Campbell
You are talking about a shake up, this would be it. She's young (32). She's currently the assistant coach of the Seattle Kraken. She has also served as an assistant coach for the German national team at the men's world championship, the Nürnberg Ice Tigers, and the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the AHL. This wouldn't be a gimmick. She has a lot of hockey intelligence and is well-respected in the hockey world. Her youth may work against her at this point, but she is seen as an up-and-comer in the NHL. She would relish the chance to resurrect the Flyers. Would she get that chance?
Here's the thing. The NHL is even worse than the NFL in recycling coaches that don't succeed. Most teams just reshuffle the same deck of cards and keep redealing when it comes to coaching. Maybe someone with new ideas is needed. Campbell could be one of those new voices or perhaps there is some assistant or bench coach out there somewhere who could also fill the role. Either way, it may be time to get some fresh blood behind the bench.