Who Else Could Become The Boston Bruins’ Next Head Coach?

The Boston Bruins have quickly rallied behind interim head coach Joe Sacco after the surprising mid-season dismissal of Jim Montgomery, who was let go just 20 games into the regular season. Sacco, who has been with the Bruins as an assistant and associate coach since 2014, now has the challenge of turning the team around after a rocky start, as they currently sit with an 8-9-3 record. This comes after a tenure under Montgomery, who had won the prestigious Jack Adams Award, as well as previous successful coaches in Claude Julien and Bruce Cassidy. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney expressed confidence in Sacco’s ability to guide the team back on track, stating that Sacco has the experience to help the players maintain the consistent effort necessary to succeed in the NHL. Sacco, who was promoted to associate coach in the offseason, brings a wealth of knowledge about the roster and the organization. He has also been a player in the league, with 738 NHL games under his belt, which adds to his credibility as a leader.

Despite his experience, Sacco’s role is still temporary, which could put pressure on him given the team’s high expectations. The Bruins have been a perennial playoff team, making the postseason in 15 of the last 17 seasons and winning one Stanley Cup. However, they have not advanced past the second round since their 2019 Stanley Cup Final appearance. As a result, Sacco’s tenure may be evaluated based on the team’s ability to not only qualify for the playoffs but also make a deep run. If the Bruins decide to pursue a more permanent replacement for Sacco, several candidates could be in the mix.

Among those being considered are a mix of experienced NHL coaches and promising younger names. Some honorable mentions include Don Granato, Jay Leach, Dave Hakstol, and Ryan Mougenel.

One potential candidate is David Carle, a coach with a strong winning pedigree, albeit from the collegiate ranks. Carle is currently leading the University of Denver, where he has enjoyed significant success. He took over as head coach in 2018 after serving as an assistant under Jim Montgomery. During his tenure, Carle led the Pioneers to multiple national championships, including in 2022 and 2024, and he also guided the U.S. team to a gold medal at the 2024 World Junior Championship. Although he’s currently entrenched in the collegiate game, Carle’s success and familiarity with Montgomery’s system could make him an intriguing option for the NHL.

Another strong candidate is Gerard Gallant, who has earned a reputation as a successful NHL head coach. Gallant is best known for leading the expansion Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season, and more recently, he coached the New York Rangers to back-to-back 100-point seasons. He also led the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Final in 2022 before being let go the following year. Gallant is known as a “player’s coach,” which could be appealing to a Bruins team that has experienced tension under Montgomery’s more hard-nosed approach. With the team facing internal stress and recent struggles, Gallant’s ability to connect with players and foster a positive environment could be just what Boston needs.

Todd McLellan, another experienced coach, could also be on the Bruins’ radar. McLellan has a solid track record in the regular season but has had mixed results in the playoffs. Known for his structured defensive systems, McLellan could be an appealing choice for a Bruins team looking to play more disciplined, defensively sound hockey. He has experience cleaning up teams’ defensive issues, having done so with both the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings. While his playoff success is limited, McLellan’s ability to get teams to perform consistently in the regular season makes him an attractive option for a team looking to establish a more structured and balanced approach.

Jay Woodcroft, who gained attention for his work with the Edmonton Oilers, could also be a name to consider. After taking over midway through the 2021-2022 season, Woodcroft led the Oilers to their first Western Conference Final since 2006, only to be fired early in the following season after a rough start. Despite his early departure, Woodcroft’s coaching record with the Oilers was strong, posting a 79-41-13 regular-season record. While much of his success can be attributed to coaching superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Woodcroft’s ability to get the most out of his players and help guide the team to significant playoff success could make him a candidate for any team looking for a fresh start.

A more unconventional option could be Jay Pandolfo, the current head coach of Boston University. Pandolfo, a former New Jersey Devils and Bruins player, has already made a name for himself in college hockey, leading the Terriers to back-to-back Frozen Four appearances. While he has only been in the college coaching ranks for three seasons, Pandolfo has proven his ability to develop players and win at a high level. Additionally, Pandolfo’s previous five-season stint as an assistant coach with the Bruins gives him a solid understanding of the organization and its expectations. While it might be difficult to pry him away from his college job, Pandolfo’s familiarity with Boston’s culture and his success with young talent make him an intriguing candidate for a future NHL coaching role.

In addition to these names, there are several other potential candidates who could be considered, depending on the direction the Bruins choose to take. Whether they look for someone with a proven track record at the NHL level or opt for a coach with success in other leagues, there are no shortage of candidates who could potentially lead the team forward.

Ultimately, the decision will likely depend on how Sacco performs in the interim. If he is able to steady the ship and guide the Bruins to a strong finish, his interim tag could be removed, and he could secure the job on a more permanent basis. However, if the team struggles to meet its expectations and fall short of a playoff berth or deep postseason run, it’s likely that Boston will begin considering other options to ensure that they remain competitive in the years to come. With high aspirations and a roster built to win now, the Bruins will be watching Sacco’s performance closely as they make decisions about their future behind the bench.