Bruins Rumors: 7 Coaches Who Could Save Boston After Disastrous Season

The Boston Bruins are shaking things up after a disastrous 2024-25 campaign, and the first major move is finding a new head coach. 

Interim coach Joe Sacco is still a finalist, but general manager Don Sweeney confirmed a wide-open search is underway. According to NHL.com's Dan Rosen, proven names like John Tortorella, Joel Quenneville, Jay Woodcroft, Derek Lalonde, Bruce Boudreau, Gerard Gallant, and Dave Tippett are all early candidates Boston could pursue.

“John teached me a lot. … I think he was one of my best coaches.”

- Matvei Michkov on John Tortorella pic.twitter.com/TMo46sfrSl

— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) April 19, 2025

Boston’s Coaching Shortlist Features NHL Coaching Legends and Rising Stars

While veteran leadership is appealing, Sweeney emphasized the next coach must connect with younger players and adapt offensively. 

The Bruins are also considering top NCAA coaches such as David Carle (Denver) and Jay Pandolfo (Boston University), while in-house options like Jay Leach and Ryan Mougenel could stay in the mix. 

"The structure has to be there," Sweeney said, adding that the next coach must strike a balance between being responsible defensively while still finding offensive creativity.

Been a while since we’ve heard from Jay Woodcroft - who after one full season w/ #Oilers had the 3rd-best Pts% in history.

What does a coach do with 18 mos. between jobs?

Woodcroft’s journey on Frankly Speaking.

Watch: https://t.co/Ge8JXuYK8Q
Listen: https://t.co/yOE4iMPELt pic.twitter.com/pYRlqk2WQX

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) April 18, 2025

After trading away longtime captain Brad Marchand and missing the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade, Boston's front office knows they can’t afford another misstep. 

With heavy pressure on Sweeney and President Cam Neely, the Bruins' choice behind the bench this summer could define the team's near future — and determine if Boston can return to Stanley Cup contention in 2026.

Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images