What Happened to Mike Babcock?

Mike Babcock's career as an ice hockey coach is one of remarkable achievements intertwined with significant controversies. He rose to prominence in the National Hockey League (NHL) after leading the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim to the Stanley Cup Final in 2003. His most successful NHL tenure was with the Detroit Red Wings, where he coached from 2005 to 2015, culminating in a Stanley Cup championship in 2008. Internationally, Babcock achieved unparalleled success, guiding Team Canada to back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014, and a World Cup of Hockey title in 2016. These accomplishments made him the only coach to achieve the 'Triple Gold Club' status, winning a Stanley Cup, Olympic gold, and an IIHF World Championship.

However, Babcock's coaching style began to draw criticism, particularly after his departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs in November 2019. He was fired amidst allegations of a toxic work environment and specific instances of player mistreatment, including asking then-rookie Mitch Marner to rank his teammates by work ethic and then sharing the list with others. Other former players, such as Johan Franzen, also came forward with accusations of verbal abuse and bullying from Babcock during his time with the Red Wings.

After his firing from Toronto, Babcock spent time in collegiate hockey, serving as a volunteer advisor at the University of Vermont in 2020-21 and then as head coach for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in 2021-22, where he coached alongside his son. This period was seen by some as a rehabilitation of his image, with Babcock stating he had learned and evolved as a coach.

His return to the NHL came on July 1, 2023, when he was hired as the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. This comeback was short-lived, lasting only two months. In September 2023, reports surfaced from the 'Spittin' Chiclets' podcast alleging that Babcock had asked Blue Jackets players, including captain Boone Jenner, to share personal photos on their phones, which he then reportedly projected for others to see. Although Babcock and Jenner initially denied a 'gross misrepresentation' of the meetings, the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) launched an investigation. Babcock resigned on September 17, 2023, stating that continuing would be 'too much of a distraction' for the team.

As of June 10, 2026, Mike Babcock is once again at the center of NHL coaching speculation. Multiple media reports indicate that the Edmonton Oilers are interested in hiring him as their next head coach. However, this potential hiring has immediately triggered a response from the NHLPA, which has requested the NHL to conduct a formal investigation into the allegations of privacy invasion during his time with the Blue Jackets before any deal can be finalized. While Babcock reportedly told TSN's Darren Dreger in May 2026 that he was 'retired' and 'loving it,' the Oilers' interest appears to be genuine, with reports suggesting he has already spoken with Oilers ownership and leadership. The outcome of the NHLPA's request and any subsequent investigation will determine if Babcock makes another return to an NHL bench.