(left) Former DU star Kevin Dineen has been linked to almost every NHL coaching vacancy this off-seasonFrom: Slam Sports
by Bruce Garrioch
Wanted: A coach who'll kick some butt, yet still command respect among the players.
The Senators have got the Help Wanted sign out and the immediate future of the franchise depends on finding the right man for the job.
That's why Senators GM Bryan Murray is doing his homework. There are plenty of candidates, but Murray has to find the one who'll push all the right buttons.
After watching his Senators suffer a quick first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Murray has turned up the heat in his search for a new coach.
So, who's the right fit? While the Senators were hopeful assistant coach John Paddock would be able to make the transition to coach when Murray took over as the GM last June, it didn't work out. Some believe the culture has to change around the club's dressing room.
"You have to have a person that's fairly strong," says Murray. "In that, they're not intimidated to bring players into their office and, in a fair way, have conversations and give them direction on how the game has to be played according to the system they put in.
"If the player doesn't respond to the positive feedback, (the coach) has to be willing to relegate (the player) to a lesser line, sit (the player) out a few shifts, be real strong verbally.
"The way the game and the league is now, you can't send a guy to the minors. You can't really fine him. We don't need that. What we need is strong direction and then, if you have good people in your organization, they will follow that. The coach has to be willing to stand up for what he believes in."
Following a trip to the Stanley Cup final last June and a 15-2 start this season, the Senators' world crumbled last year with some of the most inconsistent play since the early years of the franchise.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
That's what Murray is trying to find. He has spent the first month of his search doing background checks on all his candidates because of the list of possibilities for the job is long.
It's doubtful the likes of former Toronto coach Pat Quinn, former San Jose coach Ron Wilson, former Florida coach Doug MacLean and fired Leafs coach Paul Maurice will get a shot.
While former Atlanta coach Bob Hartley and former New Jersey coach Pat Burns have been labelled as short-term solutions, they're both expected to get a serious look from Murray. So will Sault Ste. Marie and world junior coach Craig Hartsburg and don't be surprised if the club at least does some background checks on Portland coach & Du Alum Kevin Dineen.
All four are considered to be tough but fair.
"When you don't address issues then players slip away," said Murray.
Murray said he doesn't necessarily have to know the individual.
"There are a lot of people that I don't know that I'd certainly like to spend a little time with and get to know," said Murray.
"I don't have to have first-hand knowledge of the person. I'd like a guy who has some kind of history coaching at a good level and somebody with a little bit of success.
"Those are the ones who get a chance and that's what we're hoping to get here."
The Senators have got the Help Wanted sign out and the immediate future of the franchise depends on finding the right man for the job.
That's why Senators GM Bryan Murray is doing his homework. There are plenty of candidates, but Murray has to find the one who'll push all the right buttons.
After watching his Senators suffer a quick first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Murray has turned up the heat in his search for a new coach.
So, who's the right fit? While the Senators were hopeful assistant coach John Paddock would be able to make the transition to coach when Murray took over as the GM last June, it didn't work out. Some believe the culture has to change around the club's dressing room.
"You have to have a person that's fairly strong," says Murray. "In that, they're not intimidated to bring players into their office and, in a fair way, have conversations and give them direction on how the game has to be played according to the system they put in.
"If the player doesn't respond to the positive feedback, (the coach) has to be willing to relegate (the player) to a lesser line, sit (the player) out a few shifts, be real strong verbally.
"The way the game and the league is now, you can't send a guy to the minors. You can't really fine him. We don't need that. What we need is strong direction and then, if you have good people in your organization, they will follow that. The coach has to be willing to stand up for what he believes in."
Following a trip to the Stanley Cup final last June and a 15-2 start this season, the Senators' world crumbled last year with some of the most inconsistent play since the early years of the franchise.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
That's what Murray is trying to find. He has spent the first month of his search doing background checks on all his candidates because of the list of possibilities for the job is long.
It's doubtful the likes of former Toronto coach Pat Quinn, former San Jose coach Ron Wilson, former Florida coach Doug MacLean and fired Leafs coach Paul Maurice will get a shot.
While former Atlanta coach Bob Hartley and former New Jersey coach Pat Burns have been labelled as short-term solutions, they're both expected to get a serious look from Murray. So will Sault Ste. Marie and world junior coach Craig Hartsburg and don't be surprised if the club at least does some background checks on Portland coach & Du Alum Kevin Dineen.
All four are considered to be tough but fair.
"When you don't address issues then players slip away," said Murray.
Murray said he doesn't necessarily have to know the individual.
"There are a lot of people that I don't know that I'd certainly like to spend a little time with and get to know," said Murray.
"I don't have to have first-hand knowledge of the person. I'd like a guy who has some kind of history coaching at a good level and somebody with a little bit of success.
"Those are the ones who get a chance and that's what we're hoping to get here."
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