Mitch Love Impresses in Interview for Pittsburgh Penguins Head Coach Position
The Pittsburgh Penguins are on the hunt for a new head coach, and according to sources, Washington Capitals assistant coach Mitch Love has emerged as a strong contender for the job. As reported by The Athletic’s Josh Yohe, Love recently interviewed with Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas and made a significant impression.
“We’re hearing that Mitch Love, the Capitals’ assistant coach, was very impressive during his interview with Dubas,” Yohe wrote. “He seems to be on the short list of favorites for the job.” Love, a seasoned coach with experience in the junior and AHL levels, has been in charge of the Capitals’ defensemen for the past two years. During his tenure, he has earned a reputation as a skilled tactician and leader, winning the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award as AHL Coach of the Year in both seasons with the Stockton Heat and Calgary Wranglers.
Love’s credentials are certainly impressive. Before joining the Capitals, he served as the head coach of the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades for three years and as an assistant coach with the Everett Silvertips for six seasons. His experience and success at the junior and AHL levels make him an attractive candidate for the Penguins’ head coach position. According to Yohe, Dubas has concerns about the Penguins’ lack of size and toughness, areas where Love’s expertise could be invaluable.
The Penguins’ job is one of four head coach positions still open around the NHL, with the Seattle Kraken, Chicago Blackhawks, and Boston Bruins also searching for their next leader behind the bench. Love’s interview with the Penguins comes on the heels of reports that he was generating interest around the league as a potential head-coaching candidate. As reported by The Athletic’s Pierre Lebrun, Love was mentioned as a possible candidate in searches last summer, when hockey insider Elliotte Friedman floated his name.
When asked about his interview with the Penguins, Love’s current employer, the Washington Capitals, were unavailable for comment. However, sources close to the team suggest that they are aware of Love’s interest in the Penguins’ job and are preparing for the possibility of losing him. The Capitals and Penguins have a long-standing rivalry, and the prospect of Love joining the Penguins’ coaching staff could add an extra layer of intrigue to their matchups.
In addition to Love, former St. Louis Blues head coach Drew Bannister is also rumored to be in the running for the Penguins’ job. Bannister was fired by the Blues earlier this season after they struggled to a 9-12-1 record in the first 22 games. Yohe reports that Bannister is another candidate being considered by Dubas and the Penguins’ front office. As the search for a new head coach continues, one thing is clear: Mitch Love has made a significant impression on Kyle Dubas and could be a leading contender for the job.
The Pittsburgh Penguins’ coaching search has been closely followed by fans and media alike, with many speculating about the team’s next move. As reported by Russian Machine Never Breaks, Love’s interview with the Penguins was a significant development in the team’s coaching search. With his impressive credentials and experience, Love could be the ideal candidate to lead the Penguins back to success.
As the NHL coaching carousel continues to turn, one thing is certain: Mitch Love is a name to watch. With his impressive interview and strong credentials, he could be the next head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Source: Russian Machine Never Breaks, via The Athletic’s Josh Yohe.
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