It's been almost a month since Bob Hartley was relieved of his duties and the Calgary Flames have yet to hire a new head coach.
One of the many coaches that have since been rumored to the Flames is Randy Carlyle.
On the surface it seemed like Brian Burke, who has a long history with Carlyle, and the Flames were simply doing him a favor by giving him an interview - it can't hurt to talk to the guy even though I don't think he'd be a good choice - but it appears to be more than that.
Carlyle apparently fared well enough in his first interview to garner him a second one, according to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun
Former Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle has interviewed twice for the coaching job in Calgary. The Flames have been in no hurry to name a replacement for Bob Hartley.
Based off that tidbit it seems there is at least modest interest in Carlyle. In saying that it's worth noting Flames GM Brad Treliving has always been a thorough evaluator and, again, it can't hurt to talk to even long shot candidates; especially when you have time on your side.
Another interesting thing about interviews with Carlyle is that, well, it's been reported. I've yet to see confirmation any other coach has held second (or third) interviews and there's been very little out there from prominent NHL reporters, or Flames beats, in terms of interviews, who may be the favorite, etc.
I very much doubt the Flames would leak the information to Simmons - doing so doesn't benefit them in any way - so I'm inclined to believe it came from Carlyle or someone close to him.
If that is the case he could simply be trying to generate interest in himself as much as anything else. He has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the Ducks job, after all.
I don't doubt Carlyle has talked to the Flames but, when all is said and done, I'd be very surprised if he ends up being hired in Calgary.
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