Edmonton Oilers hire Mike Babcock as new head coach

ESPN1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 3:05 PM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

Edmonton Oilers hire Mike Babcock as new head coach
Summary

The Edmonton Oilers announced the hiring of Mike Babcock as their new head coach on June 23, 2026. Babcock, 63, last coached the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2019-20 season and replaces Kris Knoblauch, who was fired after leading the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. His recent stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets lasted only 78 days before he resigned amid a privacy investigation. The Oilers consulted with key players, including Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, prior to the decision. Babcock has been cleared by the NHL after an investigation and aims to bring success to an Oilers team eager to improve after a disappointing first-round playoff exit last season.

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By the Numbers
  • Babcock replaces Kris Knoblauch as head coach of the Oilers.
  • He previously coached the Maple Leafs and was fired in 2020.
  • Babcock had a short-lived term with the Blue Jackets before resigning.
  • Oilers consulted with key players before the hiring decision.
  • The team aims to rebound from a first-round playoff exit.
Latest Updates
  • 4:31 PMESPNEx-Wings, Leafs coach Babcock to lead Oilers
  • 3:05 PMYahoo SportsMike Babcock hired as new Edmonton Oilers head coach
What they're saying
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Mike Babcock, who last coached the Maple Leafs before being fired in 2019, was officially named the next head coach of the Oilers on Tuesday.

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Babcock last coached in the NHL with the Maple Leafs during the 2019-20 season.

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