Mike Babcock appointed head coach of Edmonton Oilers
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 11:06 PM
Last updated Jun 23, 2026
The Edmonton Oilers announced Mike Babcock as their new head coach on June 23, replacing Kris Knoblauch. Babcock, 63, has an extensive coaching history, including leading the Detroit Red Wings to a Stanley Cup in 2008. He takes over after the Oilers' early playoff exit in the 2025-26 season. Babcock previously resigned from the Columbus Blue Jackets amid controversy over player privacy issues during meetings. The NHL cleared him for employment following an investigation into his conduct.
- •Babcock is the 19th head coach in Oilers history.
- •He has a career record of 700-418-164 in the regular season.
- •Babcock's previous coaching tenure includes the Red Wings and Maple Leafs.
- •The NHL Players' Association requested an investigation into Babcock's previous conduct.
- •Babcock was cleared by the NHL for his return to coaching.
- 11:06 PMYahoo Sports — Ex-Red Wing Mike Babcock returns to NHL as Oilers' coach
"Mike Babcock led the Red Wings to the Stanley Cup in 2008. Now 63, he'll try and lead Connor McDavid and the Oilers to the Cup.
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