Always got the feeling the Hitchcock is doing this short term gig so he can actually hear if all the rumors about the meddling executive (Lowe) and incompetent people that make up the rest of Oilers executive are true, and for a chapter in a future book.
Lowe on the other hand has a bigger plan for part of all this. Short term harsh reality about the roster, assuming Hitch can't work miracles and get them sniffing a playoff spot... get the outside trusted advisor to work as coach for a few months (Hitchcock saying they'll have to make do with the players they have for a little while, means until April when he steps back into the shadows) and it gives Lowe the backup of Hitchocks words as the backup required to make the change from Chia, and other changes, at least. Washes Lowe's hands if it, and I don't think he was on board with the hire in the first place, given his demotion that offseason by Katz.
Lowe built the the structure that allowed him to make all the decisions but pass all of the blame. He got pushed back when Chia and McLellan came in, but Lowe once again has weaseled his way back into Katz's ear and trust, and is steering the ship again. My guess in Nicholson retires at the end of the year too, as sson as they wake him up from his nap.
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