Flyers Governor Dan Hilferty Discusses Tortorella’s Firing, Coaching Search, Salary Cap, and More
PHILADELPHIA — Dan Hilferty, with his extensive experience in the business world, is well aware of what he doesn’t know.
When Hilferty was appointed as the chairman and CEO of Comcast-Spectacor, the parent company of the Philadelphia Flyers, just over two years ago, he openly admitted that his understanding of the team was primarily from the perspective of an everyday fan. The nuances of hockey and the inner workings of the NHL were new to him.
However, Hilferty, who previously served as the president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross and held various leadership roles in Philadelphia’s health sector, also recognizes what has contributed to his success.
Even though industries have changed, the 68-year-old’s approach to leadership has remained constant.
“I’ve always worked in complex organizations,” Hilferty shared in an exclusive interview with The Athletic this week. “Coming here, I knew I had a leadership philosophy and strategy that I could immediately apply.”
Despite his initial lack of hockey expertise, Hilferty was determined to learn more about the game. He is often seen in the Flyers’ executive suite at Wells Fargo Center, seated alongside general manager Daniel Briere, president of hockey operations Keith Jones, and other key figures in the organization.
“Shifting my focus from being a fan to realizing I’m the ultimate decision-maker is a big change,” Hilferty said. “Two years in, I’m understanding the game more. I’m starting to assess talent—not that I’m making decisions on it, but I feel confident in discussing it.”
While hockey decisions are ultimately made by Briere and Jones, a point emphasized during a joint press conference in May 2023, Hilferty still plays a role in important discussions.
A major decision came on March 27, 2024, when the Flyers fired head coach John Tortorella. Hilferty acknowledged that the decision was a result of many discussions with Briere and Jones, as well as the realization that it was time for a change.
“The reality was that, with me listening in, Danny made the decision, and I agreed. It just felt like the right time, while still respecting what Torts had achieved,” Hilferty said.
Hilferty also echoed Briere’s sentiment that the team’s moves to trade players this season, which made the Flyers less competitive, likely contributed to the decision to part ways with Tortorella.
As the Flyers approach another critical offseason, the team will miss the playoffs for a sixth consecutive year, and it’s now been 15 years since their last Stanley Cup Final appearance. Meanwhile, teams like the Super Bowl-winning Eagles and the perennially competitive Phillies dominate local attention.
However, Hilferty believes Flyers fans have been patient with the current rebuild. Despite a price increase, the team has seen a 90% renewal rate for season tickets.
“We have a very strong fan base that, while dormant in recent years, is now reigniting its passion,” Hilferty said. “We need to rebuild that excitement.”
The Future of the Team
As for the search for a new head coach, Hilferty said the process will gain momentum after the conclusion of the NHL regular season. Though the decision will be made by Briere and Jones, Hilferty will be closely involved in the process.
“I want a coach who can inspire excellence, who can engage the media, connect with the fanbase, and create a level of excitement,” Hilferty explained.
The new coach will play an important role in the team’s rebuilding efforts. As the Flyers look ahead to free agency, Hilferty emphasized the importance of attracting players who are excited to play for the new coach and the overall culture the organization is building.
Hilferty also hinted that the team may be speeding up its timeline for competitiveness. With recent trades and rookie Matvei Michkov’s earlier-than-expected arrival, the Flyers might make moves to improve next season.
“I expect continued improvement,” Hilferty said. “We’re not adding for the sake of adding; it will need to be players who fill key positions of need.”
Whether or not the Flyers make the playoffs next season, Hilferty emphasized the importance of progress, stating, “We have a responsibility to take the next step in our rebuild, and as a fan, I’d love to see us compete for a playoff spot.”
Spending to the Cap
With the NHL salary cap set to rise significantly in the coming years, Hilferty suggested that the Flyers would not hesitate to spend when necessary.
“Our goal is to compete for Stanley Cup championships over a number of years,” Hilferty said. “If we want to get there, we’ll spend what we can under the hard salary cap system.”
He also shared that he and Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, who is essentially the Flyers’ owner, are in frequent communication about the team.
“We talk a lot, especially during games,” Hilferty said. “He’s a very significant partner in this, and he shares the excitement about the franchise’s potential.”
The Possibility of Another Outdoor Game
Though the Flyers are not scheduled for any outdoor games in the 2025-26 season, Hilferty expressed interest in having the team participate in future outdoor events. One game he’s particularly keen on is a potential outdoor match between the Flyers and the Penguins at Penn State University’s Beaver Stadium, a proposal he has discussed with the league and the Penguins.
Honoring Ed Snider’s Legacy
Hilferty and the Flyers are focused on re-establishing the legacy of Ed Snider, the franchise’s legendary former owner. The team has held an annual “Ed Snider Legacy Game” in the past two seasons to honor his contributions.
“The ultimate titan of the franchise is Ed Snider,” Hilferty said. “We will always honor his legacy and work to maintain the level of community connection he built.”
Hilferty, when not working alongside Briere and Jones or engaging with fans, uses the same suite at Wells Fargo Center that Snider once occupied. While Snider’s phone is gone, the seat remains empty, a constant reminder of his lasting influence on the team.
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