Who will be the next Devils head coach? Here are my top four candidates: John MacLean, Jacques Lemaire, Mario Tremblay, and Mike Haviland.
4. John MacLean: For the last seven years, MacLean has watched some of the young core nucleus of players grow and develop as an assistant coach, such as Zach Parise, Travis Zajac, and Paul Martin. He has been groomed to be a NHL head coach and maybe this is his time to take control of the team. Lou Lamoriello has been very careful and not rushing the development of MacLean to the coaching ranks, especially when Devils’ head coaches have a life expectancy of two seasons or less.
Woo’s Opinion: I think that MacLean has what it takes to become a head coach right now. But I don’t think that the situation is ideal right now to put him in as head coach. As Brodeur and Lamoriello are nearing retirement to their respective careers, they want to win now. I predict MacLean stays on as an assistant coach till the most ideal opportunity presents itself. It is not a knock on MacLean, but you know the Devils want to see him succeed longer within the organization than your average lifespan of a Devils’ head coach.
3. Jacques Lemaire: This would be a safe pick. Lemaire has already proven that he could win in New Jersey and he commands a ton of respect in the locker room, especially from Brian Rolston and Martin Brodeur. He is a solid choice because he is already familiar with the Devils organization and their commitment to excellence and winning. And that is without the pressure of having a major media market, like Toronto or Montreal, scrutinizing every single decision made behind the bench.
Woo’s Opinion: Some would say Lemaire’s defensive scheme has become somewhat obsolete in the post lockout era and may not be a fan friendly thing to watch. Nonsense. Lemaire’s game plan of attack was never an issue with Minnesota’s gate receipts and his approach to shutting down the opposition’s offense will come in handy during the playoffs with two minutes left in the game while having a one goal lead. Lemaire is a good communicator of getting his players to play the system and this is the type of structure the Devils need. Moreover, the Devils will benefit from discipline and emphasis on teamwork.
2. Mario Tremblay: Lou Lamoriello has been known to tap the Montreal Canadiens pipeline when it comes to coaching. This feisty coach has some history of altercations with several players in the past, most notably Patrick Roy. He is a hard worker and worked nine seasons as an assistant coach to Jacques Lemaire.
Woo’s Opinion: Tremblay would be a great fit in New Jersey. I liked having a strong personality like Brent Sutter behind the bench and Tremblay would be no different. Yes, he has that reputation since Patrick Roy leaving Montreal. After spending nine seasons with Lemaire in Minnesota, he has learned from one of the best.
1. Mike Haviland: Haviland, a former New Jersey Devils draft pick, is a winner wherever he goes and is known for his hard work ethic. He has worked his way up to the coaching ranks from being a New Jersey youth hockey coach to a NHL assistant coach with the Chicago Blackhawks. His passion is hockey and everything team he has coached has had a great deal of success.
Woo’s Opinion: Haviland is from New Jersey and this maybe a match made in heaven for the Devils since Jim Dowd’s arrival in the 90’s. Almost instantly, he would have Devils fans supporting him and if he takes this team to a fourth Stanley Cup, he may be head coach for a long time. Why am I so high on him? Anywhere he has coached at any level, he has won and I love what he can bring to the Garden State community. As what Rutgers’ football head coach, Greg Schiano, once said:
"This is what New Jersey needs," said Schiano. "There's a special breed of people in this state. If you're not from New Jersey you probably don't understand Jersey."
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