With Danny Flynn departing, the search has begun for a new Saint John Sea Dogs head coach.
Under usual circumstances, the Sea Dogs would have plenty of candidates. But the team finds itself in an interesting and perhaps difficult situation. Most teams at all levels have their coaching staffs in place by now, and many of the people in place may not be willing to depart so close to the season starting. There's no doubt some qualified candidates are still looking for work at the moment, but that list is probably a lot shorter than it was a couple months ago.
Saint John plays its first game of the QMJHL Rookie Challenge in less than a month (Aug. 18).
In the press release sent out yesterday, the team said it "has begun the search for a new coach to lead and develop a young and exciting roster."
Flynn signed a three-year contract with the Sea Dogs in May 2015 but leaves after two seasons. He was hired under the Wayne Long/Darrell Young regime.
“We were looking forward to Danny returning for a third season but support him in this decision,” said Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie. “We thank him and wish him the very best in the next stage of his career.”
It'll be interesting to see where Flynn, 59, lands. The release said he departed to "pursue other opportunities" but was unclear if he has something lined up.
The Sea Dogs' coaching staff has at least two spots open with Flynn and Paul Boutilier leaving. Jeff Cowan, who has been an assistant with the team since 2013, remains.
Of note, all four head coaches who took part in the 2017 Memorial Cup have now left their teams.
