The NHL coaching carousel has begun to spin in 2026, with the Columbus Blue Jackets firing Dean Evason after just a season and a half. The team announced the change on Monday, January 12, with President and General Manager Don Waddell stating that the team's performance had not met expectations. Veteran NHL coach Rick Bowness has been hired to replace Evason. This move raises the question: Which coaches are now feeling the heat?
Several coaches entered the 2025-26 season under pressure to perform. Andrew Brunette of the Nashville Predators might have the hottest seat, as his team underperformed last season despite high expectations following the acquisition of key free agents. Similarly, the Winnipeg Jets' Scott Arniel is feeling the pressure after the team dropped near the bottom of the standings following a disappointing playoff loss after winning the President's Trophy in the 2024-25 season.
Other coaches who were on the hot seat before Evason's firing include:
- Sheldon Keefe (New Jersey Devils): Despite the team's talent and high payroll, inconsistent performance and a recent 9-0 loss to a division rival have intensified the pressure on Keefe.
- Jim Hiller (Los Angeles Kings): With Anze Kopitar's retirement on the horizon, the Kings may be looking for a new coach to lead them into a new era.
- Lindy Ruff (Buffalo Sabres): Brought in to bring a fresh voice to a young team, Ruff's second stint with the Sabres has been underwhelming, and another rough season could mean the end of his time in Buffalo.
- Adam Foote (Vancouver Canucks): After being promoted to Head Coach after Rick Tocchet's departure, Foote has a 7.7% chance of being fired by the Vancouver Canucks, and if he fails to spark a turnaround, that percentage may increase.
- Todd McLellan (Detroit Red Wings): After failing to make the playoffs for the ninth straight season, there is immense pressure on Mclellan to turn the Red Wings into a playoff team.
- Andre Tourigny (Utah Hockey Club): With a new ownership that is willing to spend and high expectations, Tourigny must lead the team to the playoffs or he will be replaced.
- Mike Sullivan (New York Rangers): After a rough stretch, some fans are calling for Sullivan to be fired.
- Rod Brind'Amour (Carolina Hurricanes): Although he won the Jack Adams Award in 2021, Brind'Amour faces pressure to bring the Hurricanes beyond the Eastern Conference final.
- Patrick Roy (New York Islanders): Roy was given a free pass for this season by the new general manager, but if the Islanders don't make the playoffs, it's likely that Roy will be replaced.
Several factors contribute to a coach finding themselves on the hot seat. A team's failure to meet expectations, inconsistent performance, injuries, and a perceived lack of accountability can all lead to increased pressure on the coach. New general managers often want to bring in their own coaches, adding another layer of uncertainty.
With the NHL season heading towards the Winter Olympics break in February, teams will be evaluating their performance and considering potential changes. The pressure is on for these coaches to turn things around and secure their positions behind the bench.
