The search for a new head coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets is still ongoing, with Todd McLellan ruled out as a potential candidate. The Blue Jackets made the decision to part ways with head coach Pascal Vincent back in June, after he took over from Mike Babcock.
McLellan, who was fired by the Kings, is still entitled to payment for the upcoming season. Negotiations between the Blue Jackets and the Kings regarding the financial terms for hiring McLellan seem to have hit a roadblock. Despite this setback, there is a possibility that discussions could be revisited in the future as training camp approaches.
Although McLellan is currently out of contention for the head coach position, his impressive coaching resume suggests that he will likely find another opportunity in the future, perhaps once his contract expires next off-season.
With August approaching rapidly, the Blue Jackets are feeling the pressure of not having a head coach in place heading into the new season. Jay Woodcroft and Dean Evason are among the other candidates being considered for the position. Woodcroft previously served as the head coach for the Oilers during the 2023-24 season before being let go, while Evason was at the helm for the Minnesota Wild before also being relieved of his duties.
Overall, the search for a new head coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets is still ongoing, with McLellan no longer in the running but other candidates like Woodcroft and Evason still under consideration for the role. As negotiations continue and training camp draws nearer, it remains to be seen who will ultimately fill the vacant head coach position for the team.
