The Blue Jackets Will Interview A Pair Of Head Coaching Candidates This Week

On Sunday, the Athletics Aaron Portzline reported that GM Don Waddell confirmed that Columbus is bringing in only two people to interview for the vacant head coaching job. 

Jay Woodcroft and Dean Evason will be the only ones getting in-person interviews, which will happen this week. 

The hiring of Todd McLellan fell apart last week for unconfirmed reasons according to multiple reports. 

Let's take a quick look at the candidates. 

Jay Woodcroft - NHL - 79-41-13 - 133 Games with the Edmonton Oilers. Two playoff appearances.  He also has a 105–71–21 record in the AHL. Fired on November 12, 2023, after a 3–9–1 start in Edmonton. 

Fun Fact About Woodcroft: He was a child actor in the 70's and 80's, and also played college hockey at the University of Alabama-Huntsville. 

Dean Evason - NHL - 147-77-27 - 251 Games with the Minnesota Wild. Four playoff appearances. 456 games in the AHL including four playoff appearances. He also has coached 432 games in the WHL with six playoff appearances. Fired on November 27, 2023, after a 5–10–4 start in Minnesota. 

Fun Fact About Evason: He has 372 NHL points playing for the Washington Capitals, Hartford Whalers, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, and Calgary Flames. 

Don Waddell wanted someone with NHL experience, but he never really defined that. Obviously, McLellan was who he wanted first, but Jackets fans are conflicted on other names. 

Jay Woodcroft is the youngest of the three names still out there that anyone would be interested in, the third being Gerard Gallant, who is also the oldest. 

The name Joel Quenneville is also out there. He has been cleared to find a job in the league, but so far no one has given him the shot. Some say he deserves a chance despite what he is being accused of, putting winning above everything. Other people who follow the Jackets say that if they hadn't hired Mike Babcock a year ago, this might be worth a shot. Waddell has all but said that Coach Q wouldn't be the coach. 

It's 50/50 who Waddell will choose to lead this team. If I had to guess I'd say it would be Woodcroft. A young coach, coaching young kids, who will be trying to get the best out of them. By all accounts, Dean Evason is a good coach as well.

Stay tuned. 

What do you think? Please share your thoughts on our forum.

More From THN Columbus