The Dallas Stars have made a big move that’s got everyone talking; they’ve fired head coach Pete DeBoer. After three strong seasons, the team decided it was time for a change, and fans across the NHL are reacting.
This decision comes after the Oilers knocked Dallas out of the Western Conference Final. Even though DeBoer helped lead the team to three straight deep playoff runs, the Stars never made it to the Stanley Cup Final under his leadership.
Fans React as Dallas Stars Fire Head Coach Pete DeBoer
According to the team’s general manager, Jim Nill, they felt a “new voice” was needed in the locker room to help push the team further.
The moment that sparked this decision happened in Game 5 of the series against the Oilers. After the Stars gave up two early goals, DeBoer pulled star goalie Jake Oettinger, which shocked fans and reportedly caused frustration within the team. The offense also struggled, scoring just five goals over the series’ final four games.
DeBoer has coached in the NHL since 2008 and has a strong track record. He’s taken several teams deep into the playoffs, and his regular-season record with Dallas (149 wins in three seasons) was the best in the league during that span. But with no Stanley Cup Final appearance to show for it, the Stars decided it was time for a change.
NEWS: Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today Pete DeBoer has been relieved of his head coaching duties.
📰: https://t.co/kRYELYWFz8 pic.twitter.com/vjgtMRgufM
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) June 6, 2025
Fans are divided over the Stars’ firing of DeBoer. Some blame the Oilers, saying, “OILERS broke them.”
Meanwhile, others defended Oettinger, stating, “Jake deserved better and he’s going to get it.”
One fan called it a “MAJOR mistake,”
MAJOR mistake
— Andrew Ravens l WrestlingNews.co (@Andrew_Ravens) June 6, 2025
And another fan argued in favor of players taking more responsibility. “I think this is a bad move. You don’t make it as far as they did every year without a good coach. Players should have looked in the mirror instead of complaining about the coach.”
Others warned, “Wow. Yall better hire the right guy. Going backwards now is not an option.”
Wow. Yall better hire the right guy. Going backwards now is not an option.
— Robert Powell 🌵🏴☠️ (@RPTexan) June 6, 2025
It’s unclear what this means for DeBoer’s assistant coaches, some of whom have been with him for years. And unless another team makes a mid-season change, he may have to sit out the upcoming season, something he hasn’t done since joining the NHL.
The Stars are looking ahead, hoping their next coach can take them all the way. As for DeBoer, with a strong résumé and 662 career wins, he likely won’t be off the ice for long.
