Quote:
Originally Posted by GranteedEV
I think this take is a gross generalization.
Dale Hawerchuk (RIP) was doing very well as a coach in the OHL.
Rod Brind'Amour has been one of the best coaches in the NHL since taking over in Carolina.
Over on the GM side of things we've seen former star players - Ron Francis, Ron Hextall, Steve Yzerman, and Joe Sakic - build some mighty solid rosters.
I think like anything, the most important thing is experience. You have to coach at lower competitive levels (Junior, Minor Pro, College) before you're ready to coach at the highest level. Gretzky jumped straight to head coach in the NHL - of course he failed. He never earned his job in the first place.
The idea that bottom of roster grinders make better coaches is flawed.
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This is a huge generalization but I think it’s a little more natural for a star player to be a GM: Talent recognizes talent. Maybe less so for star player to be coach: Talent thinks all players should be able to make plays like he did.
I do agree that experience is key and you earn your job. Really - star player or guy who never played - it doesn’t seem to make a difference. Badger never played, Quenneville played for years.