TFD: The new second longest-tenured NHL coach was hired in 2005

Good times

February 20, 2013 at 11:22PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Lindy Ruff -- not to be confused with a Rough Lindy, a strictly prohibited dance in 38 states -- was fired today after 16 years as the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres. In a sport that recycles coaches with lightning speed, that type of longevity is rather amazing. Want proof? Well, Ruff used to be the longest-tenured head coach in the NHL. That distinction now belongs to Nashville's Barry Trotz, who was hired in 1998-99.

And the second-longest tenured coach is now Mike Babcock, who was hired in 2005 by Detroit.

Oh, NHL. Don't ever change.

about the writer

about the writer

Michael Rand

Columnist / Reporter

Michael Rand is the Minnesota Star Tribune's Digital Sports Senior Writer and host/creator of the Daily Delivery podcast. In 25 years covering Minnesota sports at the Minnesota Star Tribune, he has seen just about everything (except, of course, a Vikings Super Bowl).

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