Bill Guerin Poised to Become Wild’s Next Head Coach
Bill Guerin is considering stepping into a coaching role for the Minnesota Wild as they struggle in the 2023 season. Following the dismissal of head coach Dean Evason amid a disappointing 5-10-4 start, Guerin has now hired John Hynes. However, the team’s performance has not improved significantly, mirroring their early struggles from the previous season with a 3-5-2 start in their opening games.
Current Challenges for the Minnesota Wild
The Wild currently finds themselves outside the playoff picture, and the pressure is mounting on Guerin. The recent victory over the Vancouver Canucks, although satisfying, hasn’t guaranteed a turnaround in the team’s fortunes. The Wild are facing a repeating cycle of underperformance, leading many to speculate on Guerin’s next move.
- 2023 start: 3-5-2
- Previous season start: 5-10-4
- Recent win: 5-2 against Vancouver Canucks
Guerin’s Coaching Consideration
Guerin may need to consider coaching himself as an option, particularly with limited opportunities for roster changes. Most of the players are under no-trade clauses, restricting his ability to make significant trades mid-season. This scenario leads to the possibility of Guerin becoming the eighth coach in Minnesota’s 25-year history.
Drawing inspiration from Lou Lamorello, who successfully managed dual roles, Guerin could follow a similar path. Lamorello, notable for his time with the New Jersey Devils, famously transitioned from a general manager role to coaching during critical periods.
Historical Context and Influences
Guerin’s background under Lamorello presents an interesting comparison. During his tenure with the Devils, Lamorello stepped behind the bench multiple times, notably in the 2005 season after the resignation of Larry Robinson.
- Lamorello named himself head coach post-2005 resignation.
- He achieved a 32-14-4 record that season.
- Lamorello also took over as coach three times in crucial phases.
With Guerin’s self-imposed win-now mentality, there is an air of urgency. The Minnesota Wild’s current state can reflect Guerin’s decisions, and if they don’t improve significantly, he might face scrutiny for both roster-building and team performance.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Guerin. The stakes are high, and the decisions he makes could define not only his future but that of the Minnesota Wild as they seek to re-establish themselves as a competitive franchise.
