Trotz declines Jets job, won't jump back into coaching right away

Barry Trotz James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Barry Trotz turns down Jets HC job, deciding not to jump back into coaching immediately

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 6/24/22

Several NHL teams are still without a head coach for the 2022-23 season, though former New York Islanders coach Barry Trotz won't be filling any of those vacancies.

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, Trotz informed the Winnipeg Jets he's decided not to jump back into coaching immediately and will instead focus on family.

Sources say Barry Trotz has decided NOT to immediately jump back into coaching. Trotz informed the Winnipeg Jets of his decision today and intends on continuing to focus on family. Trotz acknowledged how difficult the decision was to not accept the head coaching job in Winnipeg.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 24, 2022

Dreger added that the 59-year-old doesn't rule out a return to coaching "down the road."

New York fired Trotz in early May after failing to lead the Islanders to the playoffs for the first time during his four-year tenure. The Islanders went 152-102-34, reaching the conference semifinals twice under Trotz.

A Stanley Cup winner with over 900 career coaching victories, Trotz will likely be a hot name whenever a head coaching job opens in the future.

A Winnipeg native, Trotz seemed like the perfect fit to lead the Jets, but instead, the team must now look elsewhere.

In December, Paul Maurice abruptly stepped down as coach after eight seasons behind the bench in Winnipeg. Assistant Dave Lowry was named interim head coach, going 26-22-6 for the remainder of the season. In May, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli reported that Lowry, along with assistants Jamie Kompon and Charlie Huddy, would not be returning to the Jets.

Along with the Jets, the Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, and Chicago Blackhawks are the only teams without a head coach.

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