Rich Chere of NJ.com is reporting that Nashville Predators assistant coach Phil Housley may be first in line to be head coach of the New Jersey Devils.
[Devil’s general manager Ray] Shero has done an extensive search to find the right coach for the Devils, considering Guy Boucher of SC Bern in Switzerland, Washington Capitals assistant coach Todd Reirden and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton AHL coach John Hynes, but Housley has emerged as the leading choice.
Housley has been an assistant coach with the Predators since the 2013-2014 season, and was one of the few carry overs from the previous regime when Peter Laviolette was brought in. His duties include managing the defensemen and the power play.
Given that the Hall of Fame defenseman won a gold medal as head coach of Team USA at the 2013 World Junior Championship, this is something that’s likely been on his mind for a while. Assistant coaches aren’t the hardest of positions replace, and it would be a great step up for his career to be at the helm of a team. Should he decide to pursue the opportunity, we wish him nothing but the best.
More updates as they come.