Mike Babcock coaching decision could come by May 20
Friday, Mike Babcock made a decision … that he would sit down with TSN’s Darren Dreger and do an interview from the World Championships in Prague.
The Red Wings free agent coach moved up his timeline to May 20 from May 25 and … nice flip-flops, Babs!
Also, Holland’s attire screams more ‘Jersey mob boss’ than Detroit GM.
Still, we got some context into Babcock and his decision.
"There's not a better job, there's a different job, so you have to be careful," Babcock said.
When Dreger asked what Babcock straight out if he was leaning toward staying, "What I'm doing is leaning to make a good decision."
Dreger asked Babcock if he has offers.
"I have offers," he said. "More than one."
Babcock still has a window to interview with other teams and still will make a choice on whether he wants to be the next Red Wings coach. His contract is up by the end of June, Holland said in the interview.
The interview seemed very odd, with both men talking about the future in front of each other though their paths could separate. Per the video, they've spent quite a bit of time together in Europe scouting Red Wings prospects at the World Championships. They said they're going to fly home together on May 17.
All this really shows is the mutual respect the Red Wings and Babcock have for one another after all these years.
Babcock pointed out on more than one occasion that Detroit's core is getting older and Holland said Detroit is trying to move in some younger people to replace the likes of Pavel Dastyuk and Henrik Zetterberg.
Possible suitors include the Buffalo Sabres, who will likely spend a lot of money to acquire Babcock’s services. The Toronto Maple Leafs have also been rumored to be in the chase for Babs’ services. Cash likely won't be an issue wherever Babcock goes.
Does he want to win? Does he want to chase the almighty dollar? Or will he just stay in Detroit?
Holland did say that Grand Rapids coach Jeff Blashill would be a finalist if Babcock decided to go elsewhere. So there is a Plan B. for the Red Wings.
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Josh Cooper is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @joshuacooper
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