Edmonton Oilers hire Mike Babcock as new head coach
ESPN • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 3:05 PM
Last updated Jun 23, 2026
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.
- •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.
- 4:31 PMESPN — Ex-Wings, Leafs coach Babcock to lead Oilers
- 3:05 PMYahoo Sports — Mike Babcock hired as new Edmonton Oilers head coach
"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.
"Babcock last coached in the NHL with the Maple Leafs during the 2019-20 season.
Sources
External links- ESPNJun 23, 2026, 4:31 PMEx-Wings, Leafs coach Babcock to lead Oilers
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.
- Yahoo SportsJun 23, 2026, 3:05 PMMike Babcock hired as new Edmonton Oilers head coach
Babcock last coached in the NHL with the Maple Leafs during the 2019-20 season.
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