[POLL] Calgary Flames coaching change mega-thread—with poll

[Ryan Coke]

Gulutzan is to coaching candidates what Trump is to politicians.

Everyone looks like an upgrade compared to GG.

I can’t imagine any coach that I would consider to be a downgrade. Well, maybe Dallas Eakins. Or Kevin Lowe.

But almost everyone else, hell yes. AV or Quenneville, awesome. Trots, absolutely. Sutter, Tippett, for sure. Capuano or Huska, why not. Lanny and Mcgratton, sounds fun.

[iamca]

If Calgary goes out and puts Tippett in charge of this core of players, there are no trades or drafting that will make this team great.

If Tippett was going to be brought in it should have been before GG and that time has passed. GG is horrible and should be fired on the day after the session ends.

Then the organization should pause and see what coaches are/will become available.

I still thinks Huska deserves an interview if anyone in the organization can evaluate potential at the NHL level, perhaps an assistant?

[Psytic]

Originally Posted by 868904

Coyotes did go to the conference finals one year with Tippett, Smith, Maloney and Treliving. That's still better than ECHL finals runner up.

Cool Story how does that compare to the resume for Q or Sutter? Tippett is boring and even a broken clock is right twice a day. I don't see why we are turning into the Coyotes good old boys refugee club. We're worse than the Oilers.

[Vinny01]

I want a veteran coach this is not the time for Huska or another AHL/CHL/NCAA coach.

Quenville, AV, Trotz would be the top targets. Sutter or Tippet are options to consider as well.

New coach and moving a Dman for a forward and this team can be exciting again.

[kyuss275]

I don't believe it's a done deal, but my money would probably be on Tippet being next flames coach. Don't see Q considering Calgary if he is let go. Also don't think owners are going to fork over $6+ million on a long term contract for a coach. I don't think AV is going to be let go. I think a lot fences would have to be mended for Sutter to think about coming back to Calgary . I also don't think they would go with an unknown again.

[AltaGuy]

I really want AV. No one else.

[Shazam]

I feel like there's a fallout 4 supply line between the settlements of Arizona and Calgary. Ug.

[868904]

Originally Posted by Psytic

Cool Story how does that compare to the resume for Q or Sutter? Tippett is boring and even a broken clock is right twice a day. I don't see why we are turning into the Coyotes good old boys refugee club. We're worse than the Oilers.

Hey I agree with you, for me it's Darryl Sutter or Coach Q, but I'd still take Tippett over GG.

[Split98]

AV, Darryl or Q please. Make the 'next great coach' an Assistant and prime him to take over when the time is right.

The Flames cannot afford to miss the playoffs again after this season.

[genetic_phreek]

Ralph Krueger or Marc Crawford would be my pick.

[GullFoss]

My top four in order are

1) Sutter
2) AV
3) Trotz
4) QV

[Gaudreau is a Ninja]

Im embarressed but who is AV?🤔

[Angelino]

Originally Posted by genetic_phreek

Ralph Krueger or Marc Crawford would be my pick.

I doubt Krueger would want to coach this mess , he is already Chairman of Southampton in England.

[Gaudreau is a Ninja]

Originally Posted by genetic_phreek

Ralph Krueger or Marc Crawford would be my pick.

No to both👎

[GullFoss]

theo for PP coach!!

[Angelino]

Originally Posted by Gaudreau is a Ninja

Im embarressed but who is AV?🤔

Alain Vigneault

[Calgary4LIfe]

Tippett isn't my first choice, but I would welcome him. You know what this team really needs? A coach that can come in and implement a system BASED ON THE COMPOSITION OF THE TEAM. Hartley did it, and the team exceeded expectations. Brent didn't do it, and the team sucked. Keenan didn't do it, and the team underperformed. Darryl did it, and the team vastly exceeded expectations. Gulutzan hasn't done it, and the team is under-performing.

Tippett has done it in Dallas - high scoring, up-tempo system, and then in Arizona - boring defensive-heavy system.

Unless he has become stuck in a certain system now, I would be optimistic about him coming in, analyzing the roster, and developing a system that takes the team's strengths into consideration, and implements a fast-transition game.

I just don't think he would even be considered based on the rumors that swirled around him and Maloney. If there was any truth to them, there is simply no way he would ever be asked to come on board, especially given the history of the Flames (Darryl Sutter taking control of the team and essentially pushing out Button, and then Feaster doing the same with Sutter). If I am Treliving, there is simply no way that I would entertain the notion of even interviewing a coach who has tried to get his boss fired.

I am also of the opinion that there is simply no way that Gulutzan is back, regardless of what some are saying in the media. Can anyone out there say that this product has been any good? It is a heck of a lot more boring and hasn't resulted in any improvement over the past regime. When you factor in how much more improved this team has become, as well as how much easier this division has become, there is simply no way that Gulutzan can survive this.

I am sure he is a good guy. I will actually feel bad for him when he is let-go, uprooting his family once again. I just don't see a way around it. The way this team has been plagued with inconsistency from the outset of his tenure in Calgary, to the abysmal record down the stretch while trying to force their way into a playoff picture, to the absolute train-wreck of a finish to close out the season...

If you are Treliving, how do you come out in the media and respond to the question of "Why didn't you change coaches if this new one wasn't able to take this team as far as the last one did, while maintaining you fired the last one - a Jack Adams winner, the first in franchise history - for not being able to take this team any farther?"

I know there probably could be an explanation in there somewhere, but the explanation would have to consist of outlining Hartley's shortcomings more than any of Gulutzan's achievements.

Hire a good coach. A coach with a track record of implementing different systems, or at least a system where the high-octane, puck moving thoroughbred of a defensive corps in place can actually be utilized, with a splash of offensive creativity.

Ruff
Sutter
AV
Quenneville
Trotz
Tippett (not likely)

Three of these are available now (though, once again, only two of them would gain any consideration - Sutter and Ruff, with Tippett being a pariah and all).

Wait for the possible changes this off-season and see who becomes available. I just don't see how this organization can come out and give Gulutzan the vote of confidence now. Maybe... MAYBE they could have come out with something if the Flames finished strong but just missed out. I just don't see any scenario where the Flames retain Gulutzan and rationalize it.

[CanucksWorstNightmare]

Willie Desjardins!!!This guy is a darn good coach that was handed a crap team in Vancouver.Has won a Calder Cup Championship along with World Junior Gold,also took Tigers to Memorial Cup.Has a degree in psychology and many of his ex players speak very highly of him.

[dammage79]

Don know whats gonna happen, all I hope to happen is a total wipe of the coaching staff. TOTAL. No sigalet, Not Gully, no Jerard , No Gelly (find him a front office job.). Not sure the video guy a problem so maybe keep him as he likely has the video library cued up just the way he likes it.

Sutter, Trotz, Tippett, AV, Quenville...I don't care just set up a new crew.

[Buck Murdock]

Hopefully John Tortorella gets fired from Columbus and then the Flames hire him.