[News] UPD: Geoff Ward officially named the franchise's 20th head coach (2 year deal)

[Moneyhands23]

If it doesn't work out BT has to go

[MrMike]

Originally Posted by Aarongavey

I think we know that BT looked at every available option. He works super hard. And much like with Gulutzan, Ward is just the best guy for the job.

God that statement made me mad haha.

[Toonage]

As has been suggested before, you have to think this is it for Treliving too. Meaning if Ward isn't the guy, Tre goes with him.

[Deegee]

Originally Posted by Toonage

As has been suggested before, you have to think this is it for Treliving too. Meaning if Ward isn't the guy, Tre goes with him.

If he does promote Ward and he doesn't look at other options, he won't be around for the next coach hire.

[dammage79]

Also, Friedmans becoming more of a hack the more i listen to his segments lately. Like this stuff. Sounds to me like it's just a soundbite because he really has nothing.

[Zulu29]

Ughhh ffs I really hope this isn’t true

[dammage79]

Ah yes, and then the other thing will be, no one wants to coach this team anyways (the gallants and laviolettes and Boudreaus of the world). BS, if theyre gonna get a paycheck they'll coach a herd of squirrels.

[CalgaryFan1988]

After the pay cuts being announced, I more or less assumed Flames brass were not going out to spend millions on a top notch coach.

[Toonage]

I do wonder, if it is Ward, if he gets to choose his own assistants. And if he keeps any of the guys currently with him.

[Yamer]

Hey Tre,

[timbit]

Bottom line. We know nothing about what’s going on.

[Crown Royal]

With the recent 20% cuts in salaries to staff, it is less surprising the Flames are considering Ward. With the possibility of no ticket revenue next season, Treliving may have a tight coaching budget and Ward might be the best choice within that budget.

Ward wasn't my top choice, maybe not even top 5; but I have a hard time calling it a poor choice. After Ward took over as head coach, the Flames went 25-15-3, which is the 8th best record in the NHL (4th in West, 2nd in Pacific). We were 10th in goals per game, 3rd in PP%. He also led us to a series win over the Jets and had us in a position where we should have ousted the Stars.

We also can't discount the fact that people learn through mistakes and you have to think that was discussed by management and Ward

[Textcritic]

This is just so weird.

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by Aarongavey

I think we know that BT looked at every available option. He works super hard. And much like with Gulutzan, Ward is just the best guy for the job.

He obviously didn't as we would have heard he interviewed other candidates. Those things always leak out. I like BT but when it comes to coaches he gets an F. If it is Ward he needs to move both Gaudreau and Monahan, they cannot thrive in a chip and chase system.

[Icon]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Offseason plan.

Step 1. Do nothing
Step 2. Do more of #1.
Step 3. See step 2.

Edit:
Step 4. Go on the radio, tell everyone its a long painstaking process.
Step 5. Remind fans we won't do stuff just to do stuff. AKA, we are not gonna do stuff.

Step 6. "We were in on lots of stuff, hard to make things work, unprecedented times, blablabla"

[mrdonkey]

[I_H8_Crawford]

Awesome news. I mean don't you all know that a middling season followed by embarrassing display in the playoffs (if they even make it) is way more exciting than watching a strong coach's team win?

Where do I sign up for seasons tickets to watch this garbage? Better pull out my credit card now.

Lol

I think I may be done with this team. Hey Treliving hire a good coach for once you dumbass

[browna]

Will wait for final judgement, but Friedman also has to stir up stories like this to get some radio appearances, even if he talks in circles and vaugely, so by no means is this anywhere near official.

This roster core responded early to players coach GG in the first year and made the playoffs. They tuned him out before the end of that season even with making the playoffs. He really shouldn't have made it through that second year because he had zero control of the room, stick throw regardless.

Peters was the right sort of older school approach that this team needs to get the extra out of players, proven by 82 games of top Western Conference play.

To go back with a players coach would be massive mistake and Ward may not last the season before the players tune him out...and by that time, turning off the music and taking away the soccer playing in practice will not do the trick to pull the team back to his control.

[agulati]

I was hoping for a top tier coach hire, but might be expecting a lot, I don't know.

Ward did have a decent end of the season, and coaching is not the biggest problem on the roster. A top tier coach can definitely fix/cover some of the warts, as well as be critical for player development (Look at the Islanders).

Treliving has to make moves, but this decision of either keeping Ward or getting a new coach, will probably be a critical one, looked back in a year (or shorter) to determine his future with the team.

[Flash Walken]

Coaching has never been the problem so I don't think this matters at all in terms of how competitive the roster will be.

If you've been a flames Fan for any period of time I don't think the expectation should be any different.

Until it's confirmed I suppose it's not a done deal but I don't think this should be very surprising.