The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing another major reset after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in a decade. A disastrous finish, management and coaching changes, and ongoing questions around the roster have forced the organization into a corner in a critical offseason.
With John Chayka now the general manager and the franchise holding the No. 1 overall draft pick, attention has shifted toward who will guide the next phase behind the bench. This search recently took a notable turn after reports revealed that one experienced NHL coach will not be part of Toronto’s plans moving forward.
Dave Tippett Out of Toronto Maple Leafs’ Coaching Search
Dave Tippett’s name surfaced in speculation surrounding the Maple Leafs’ head coaching vacancy because of his history with newly hired general manager Chayka.
However, Leafs Morning Take host Nick Alberga shut down that possibility on X, writing, “For those wondering about a potential John Chayka/Dave Tippett reunion in Toronto, I’m told Tippett won’t be an option for the Leafs’ vacant head coaching job. The 64-year-old is enjoying retirement.”
The update removes one of the NHL’s most experienced coaches from consideration as Toronto continues searching for Craig Berube’s replacement.
Tippett finished his NHL coaching career with 648 wins across stops with the Dallas Stars, Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes, and Edmonton Oilers. He also won the Jack Adams Award in 2010 after guiding Phoenix through one of the strongest seasons in franchise history.
Toronto’s coaching search comes after one of the organization’s worst seasons in recent memory. The Leafs collapsed from a 108-point season to just 78 points and finished at the bottom of the Atlantic Division. The team struggled defensively throughout the year, surrendered the most shots in the NHL, and failed to adapt to Berube’s demanding north-south system.
Management changes followed quickly. Brad Treliving was dismissed before the season officially ended, while Berube lost his job after only two seasons behind the bench. Chayka and senior advisor Mats Sundin are now overseeing what the organization has described as a complete structural reset.
The next coach will inherit several major responsibilities immediately. Auston Matthews is coming off a difficult season that included a major injury and a sharp offensive decline from his 69-goal season. Toronto also owns the No. 1 overall pick after winning the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, which could bring elite prospect Gavin McKenna into the fold.
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Because of these factors, Toronto appears focused on finding a coach who fits a more analytical and possession-based style. Several names remain linked to the opening, including Bruce Cassidy, Peter Laviolette, David Carle, Manny Malhotra, Jay Woodcroft, and AHL coach John Gruden.
Tippett’s decision to remain retired now removes a veteran option from the conversation. Toronto’s search will now lean toward another coach better aligned with Chayka’s long-term vision for the roster.
