The Edmonton Oilers have announced that Mike Babcock is now officially the team's next head coach. He becomes the club’s 19th head coach in team history.

Babcock, 63, joins Edmonton with an extensive NHL résumé, compiling a 700-418-183 record over 17 seasons and ranking 10th all-time in playoff wins (90-74). The decision doesn't come without some controversy, however. 

Babcock was investigated for his conduct as the Columbus Blue Jackets head coach in 2023. The investigation found incidents that didn't paint him in a good light, but were not enough to keep him out of the NHL. 

The Oilers have chosen to overlook whatever it was the was found and go with a guy they believe will push this crop of superstars. Edmonton is desperate to win the Stanley Cup, having gotten close in two of the past three seasons.

Babcock is the only coach to win a Stanley Cup (2008), Olympic gold (2010, 2014), IIHF World Championship (2004), and World Cup of Hockey (2016). The Oilers believe he's got the hockey mind to help this group, along with the pedigree to coach stars who need to be held accountable.

He began in Anaheim, leading the Ducks to a Stanley Cup Final, before a decade in Detroit that included a Cup win, two Finals appearances, and multiple division titles. Babcock later coached Toronto for five seasons, posting a 173-133-45 record.

The Oilers also revealed that they have hired D.J. Smith as an associate coach. Smith, 49, most recently served as interim head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, assembling an 11-6-6 record from March 1st through the end of the 2025-26 regular season. It was rumored Smith would join Babcock if hired. Smith began his NHL coaching career as an assistant under Babcock in Toronto in 2015.

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