Report: Sharks seeking replacement for Boughner as head coach

The Sharks’ new coach could be out the door after just 37 games.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 3 years ago
Report: Sharks seeking replacement for Boughner as head coach
Zuma Press

San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson isn’t making any promises.

The Sharks had an awful season in 2019-20, one that resulted in the firing of long-time head coach Pete DeBoer. Replacing DeBoer, at least on an interim basis, is former Florida Panthers head coach Bob Boughner.

“Boogey” as he’s known to his players has a history with the Sharks as he was DeBoer’s assistant in San Jose for two seasons from 2015-2017. So, naturally he’s a good fit and fans expected him to be rewarded with a proper contract for 2020-21 and beyond.

Not so fast though says Wilson who admits that he’s still gauging whether or not Boughner will return in his role as head coach of the Sharks next season.

“We’re committed to putting the best staff together to get this team ready to come out of the gates next year, and Bob certainly has the inroads on that,” Wilson said to Amalie Benjamin of NHL.com. 

“We are still in the process,” Wilson said. “I’ve talked to all our players. I’ve been talking to Bob quite a bit lately, talking about just how we want to play and some adjustments, and some things that were learned through not only our team this year, but around the League, what works and what doesn’t. 

“So it’s a process that’s ongoing. Very difficult to come in and coach a team halfway through the year. You don’t necessarily have all the ingredients in your staff that you want around you. … I think he came in and did a very good job.”

The Sharks went 14-20-3 under Boughner since his hiring in December, 2019 and missed the playoffs for just the second time in 15 years. Ouch.

As for DeBoer he was quickly scooped up by the now division champion Vegas Golden Knights. Double ouch.