Adam Foote is returning to the bench, but not as the head coach. Utah has hired the former head coach of the as an assistant.
Rick Dhaliwal broke the news of the transfer. Currently, Foote is joining the Utah staff as an assistant coach, making him the team’s previous coach in Vancouver.
The highlight is the change in the title. Although it is far from unusual, moving from an NHL head coaching position to an assistant seat is a step down on paper.
It also validates a coaching shift in Vancouver. Foote is now the “former” coach after a brief stint that started in May.
That corresponds to the overall picture for the Canucks.
Dhaliwal’s study completes one chapter for Foote and starts another.
A title downgrade, but a good fit for everyone.
Begin with Vancouver. The Canucks were deep in a rebuild and placed 32nd overall with 58 points. It is not unexpected that there would be a roster overhaul and coaching change.
It was brief there for Foote, and a coach is seldom prepared to succeed by a tough predicament with a last-place team. Now that he has turned the page.
Utah is a good location to settle. Adding an experienced former NHL head coach to Andre Tourigny’s team is a smart depth move, as the Mammoth concluded 15th overall with 92 points, a growing young squad.
Foote brings defensive pedigree from his playing days and significant bench experience. For a club on the rise, that’s valuable knowledge.
It keeps Foot relevant to stay in the league in any capacity. Many head coaches eventually return to assistant positions.
All the time, the carousel operates in this manner. It’s usual for previous head coaches to become assistants, and it’s generally good for the team who hires them.
My interpretation is as follows: There is no embarrassment in this action. Utah gets experience and the Vancouver reset continues after Foote continues in the NHL following a challenging period with a rebuilding Canucks team.
It’s a logical reset for everyone involved. A fair break that works well for all parties.
Foote begins anew in Utah, the Canucks anticipate what’s ahead behind their bench, and a former head coach gambles on the assistant route as a means of returning.
The longer narrative is whether it will result in another opportunity to be a head coach in the future. For the time being, he has a new beginning and a new bench.
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