According to Elliotte Friedman, the Carolina Hurricanes are closing in on hiring Rod Brind’Amour as their next head coach.
The Carolina Hurricanes are experiencing some significant changes. Recently, they’ve gotten a new majority owner in Thomas Dundon. The Texas businessman is shaking things up for a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs in nearly a decade. He’s already gotten rid of franchise legend Ron Francis, who was serving as the general manager. Dundon’s hiring another legend to fill the head coach vacancy – assistant coach Rod Brind’Amour.
While the hiring isn’t official yet, it should be by the end of May 13. The Hurricanes found itself needing a coach after former coach Bill Peters, as expected, used his opt-out clause to get hired by the Calgary Flames.
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Brind’Amour will be promoted from his assistant coach role. This is one he has held since 2012. Previously, he served in various player development roles from 2010 to 2012 after retiring from hockey in 2010.
He is perhaps best known for being the captain of the 2005-06 Stanley Cup Champion Hurricanes. Brind’Amour also won two consecutive Selke Trophies as the NHL’s premier defensive forward in 2005-06 and 2006-07. In 1,484 career games (694 with the Hurricanes), he put up 452 goals, 732 assists, and 1,184 points. With Carolina, Brind’Amour had 174 goals, 299 assists, and 473 points.
Rod Brind’Amour is one of the most respected figures in Hurricanes history. He commands respect from everyone, including the players and fans. Brind’Amour has been successful at what he’s been in charge of. He’s been overdue for a head coaching job. One would have thought Brind’Amour would get a chance in the AHL first, but the Hurricanes are giving him one right now.
Carolina will be expecting some results next season. They haven’t made the postseason since 2008-09 when the Hurricanes made the Eastern Conference Finals. Since winning the Stanley Cup in 2005-06, Carolina has only made the postseason once.
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It’s a bit surprising to see the Hurricanes stick with an in-house option, given Dundon’s words about change being necessary. Only time will tell if the Hurricanes made the right decision with Brind’Amour.