Sources: Philadelphia Flyers talking to John Tortorella, David Quinn, Jeff Blashill and Bruce Cassidy in coaching search
The Philadelphia Flyers, fresh off a last-place finish in the Metropolitan Division this past season, are going big-game hunting in their search to replace Mike Yeo as head coach after he took over as interim coach in December 2021 following Alain Vigneault’s firing.
Per sources, former New York Rangers head coach and 2022 men’s U.S. Olympic coach David Quinn is drumming up plenty of interest. He’s interviewing with the Flyers and also the Detroit Red Wings, who recently parted ways with coach Jeff Blashill. Quinn, 55, joined the Rangers starting in 2018-19 after an illustrious college coaching career in which he led Boston University to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and two Hockey East titles. He compiled a 96-87-25 record in three seasons with New York, only reaching the post-season in 2019-20 thanks to the bubble-tournament structure which allowed the Rangers to compete as a play-in team.
The Flyers have also interviewed Blashill, per sources, and are likely to turn their sights toward Bruce Cassidy following his firing by the Boston Bruins this week. Cassidy, 57, had led Boston to six consecutive playoff appearances, including a berth in the 2018-19 Stanley Cup final with a seven-game loss to the St. Louis Blues. His .635 career points percentage as a head coach ranks fourth in NHL history among those with at least 500 games behind the bench.
While the Flyers haven’t commenced their second round of interviews, two-time Jack Adams Award winner John Tortorella, who has already interviewed with them, is expected to get a second interview, according to sources. Tortorella, 63, ranks 14th in NHL history with 673 wins and won a Stanley Cup in 2003-04 as coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning. He most recently helmed the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2015-16 through 2020-21, easily the most successful period in their history.