Mike Babcock has resigned from his position as the head coach of the University of Saskatchewan men’s hockey team.
Babcock talked about his choice and future intentions in an interview on Saskatchewan’s 650 CKOM radio. He and his wife had agreed that they planned to retire when she reached 60.
“We always said we were going to retire at 60 and I’m 59, so basically that’s what it is,” Babcock said.
“Now, if things change, I guess they change, but surely that’s not our plan. Believe me, we’ve talked to lots of people about opportunities and enjoyed those conversations. In the end, we feel this is best for us and best for our family and so that’s what we’re doing.”
Babcock is regarded as one of the best head coaches of his generation. He has compiled a record of 700-418-19-164 in 1,301 NHL regular season games while serving as the coach of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, the Detroit Red Wings, and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
He had been a candidate for open NHL head coaching openings as recently as the 2020 summer.
In his fifth season with the Maple Leafs, he has fired 23 games into the 2019–20 season. He described his termination in Toronto on Friday as being “kicked off the treadmill.”
Mike Babcock breaks his silence. My interview with the former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach:https://t.co/iAP801tMyB
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) January 19, 2021
“My plan all along was to be there for a year, to work with (Cote) and Mike and then when (Cote) was ready, it was going to be his opportunity,” Babcock said.
“After being with him for a year and a half, (it was) pretty evident to me that he’s ready for the job, so I’m going to get out of the way and those guys are going to take over,” he added.
Babcock referred to his move back to Saskatoon as “a spectacular experience” because it brought him and his wife closer to their family.
He wants to go hunting on farms he owns in Ohio, ski in Vail and Palm Springs, and waterski on a lake in Michigan during his retirement.
New interim head coach
On Thursday, Babcock’s associate coach Brandin Cote was established as the interim head coach.
“I am incredibly honoured and humbled for the opportunity to lead the Huskie men’s hockey program,” said Cote. “My family and I are thrilled to remain a part of the Huskie family and the community of Saskatoon.”
I’d like to thank Mike Babcock for his mentorship and commitment to the program over the past year. I look forward to building upon the rich foundation of history and excellence that is synonymous with Huskie men’s hockey.”
Before switching to coaching, Cote played professionally for eight seasons in the American Hockey League, the East Coast Hockey League, and leagues in Germany, Italy, and England. From 2000 to 2002, Cote played junior hockey in the Western Hockey League and captained the Spokane Chiefs.
Babcock also approved Cote’s appointment and is excited to see what the future holds for Cote.
“I’m excited for Brandin and his family,” Babcock said.
“He is prepared to be a highly successful coach. I believe he will elevate the Huskies play and profile even further. I look forward to seeing him continue down the path of what promises to be an incredible career.”