Ducks hire Quenneville as head coach
The Anaheim Ducks hired Joel Quenneville as head coach, the team announced Thursday.
Quenneville has been out of the NHL since resigning from his position as Florida Panthers head coach in October 2021 during the fallout from the Chicago Blackhawks sexual assault scandal.
The league lifted its ban on Quenneville, as well as Stan Bowman and Al MacIsaac, on July 1, 2024. Bowman is now the general manager of the Edmonton Oilers, while MacIsaac remains without a job in the league.
"Joel is a proven winner and one of the top coaches in NHL history," general manager Pat Verbeek said in a statement. "We believe this is a major step forward in our process of being a perennial playoff contender.
Verbeek said the team conducted "a comprehensive review of what took place while (Quenneville) was head coach of the Blackhawks in 2010."
"We spoke with dozens of individuals, including advocates for positive change in hockey and leadership of the NHL. ... Our findings are consistent with Joel's account that he was not fully aware of the severity of what transpired in 2010. It is clear that Joel deeply regrets not following up with more questions at the time, has demonstrated meaningful growth and accountability, and has earned the opportunity to return to coaching."
Quenneville said he's grateful for the opportunity to return to the NHL with the Ducks.
"In nearly four years away from the game, I have learned from my prior mistakes and realized it will be actions over words that demonstrate my commitment to being a better leader," Quenneville said.
Quenneville owns a head coaching record of 969-572-150 with 77 ties, making him the second-winningest bench boss in NHL history. He's coached the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, Blackhawks, and Panthers.
He won three Stanley Cups as a head coach with Chicago in 2010, 2013, and 2015.
The Panthers started with a perfect 7-0 record before Quenneville's resignation. Florida went on to win the Presidents' Trophy after Andrew Brunette took over.
Quenneville hasn't won a playoff round since Chicago claimed the Stanley Cup in 2015.
Verbeek played with Quenneville in the 1989-1990 NHL season with the Hartford Whalers.
Anaheim reportedly interviewed Jay Woodcroft, met with David Carle, and contacted Mike Sullivan as part of their search for a new head coach.
The Ducks fired Greg Cronin on April 19. He went 62-87-15 in two seasons and enjoyed a 21-point improvement this past year.