5 NHL head coaches on the hot seat ahead of 2024-25 season ft. Andre Tourigny

By Evan Bell

Modified Jul 18, 2024 16:52 GMT

As we look ahead at the 2024-25 NHL season, there are a number of storylines in play following the Florida Panthers' first-ever Stanley Cup win.

Of course, the team will be looking to go back-to-back as Stanley Cup champions, which would make them just the ninth team to do so. At the same time, teams like the Edmonton Oilers and the Golden Knights are looking to return to Stanley Cup contention.

Through it all, coaches who fail to live up to the expectations will be on the hot seat, some more so than others. Last season, 10 coaches were fired during the regular season, with more parting ways with their respective teams since.

Without further ado, let's take a look at five coaches who will be on the hot seat heading into the 2024-25 NHL season.

Five NHL coaches on the hot seat this season, ft. Andre Tourigny

#5 Jim Miller - LA Kings

NHL: Los Angeles Kings at Carolina Hurricanes [IMAGN]

Jim Hiller was just promoted to head coach in February. We've seen plenty of times in the past that coaches who replace longstanding coaches often have short tenures behind the bench.

That could be the case for Hiller, depending on how this season plays out for the franchise. He isn't entering the year on the hot seat. However, given that the coaching landscape has changed since the Kings parted ways with Todd McLellan, the Kings could look to pick up a veteran coach.

#4 Luke Richardson - Chicago Blackhawks

NHL: Chicago Blackhawks at San Jose Sharks [IMAGN]

Like Andre Tourigny, there weren't a lot of expectations for Luke Richardson heading into last season, given that the Chicago Blackhawks weren't viewed as a Stanley Cup-caliber team.

This season, however, with Teuvo Teravainen and Tyler Bertuzzi joining Connor Bedard in Chicago, the Blackhawks have a chance to make some waves. If Richardson's 32.5% win percentage keeps up, the team could look to explore a new coach.

#3 Andre Tourigny - Utah Hockey Club

NHL: Nashville Predators at Arizona Coyotes [IMAGN]

Phoenix Coyotes coach turned Utah Hockey Club coach Andre Tourigny could be on the hot seat this year. While the Coyotes roster wasn't considered to be Stanley Cup Championship material, last season, Tourigny's team had a chance to make the playoffs.

Then, in January, Tourigny's team went on a 14-game losing streak that saw the Coyotes fall out of contention. Given that the team has relocated to Utah, and is getting a fresh look, if Tourigny can't coach the team to success this season, the team's new look could include a new coach.

#2 Mike Sullivan - Pittsburgh Penguins

NHL: Minnesota Wild at Pittsburgh Penguins [IMAGN]

After missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, Mike Sullivan is likely on the hot seat given that the team wants to make the most of the time Sidney Crosby has left.

While he coached the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in his first two years, the Penguins haven't returned to the Final since. Should the Penguins get off to a slow start this season, Mike Sullivan could be out of a job before the new year.

#1 Derek Lalonde - Detroit Red Wings

NHL: Detroit Red Wings at Carolina Hurricanes [IMAGN]

Derek Lalonde still has a positive coaching record in Detroit. However, after narrowly missing the playoffs last season, he's expected to be on the hot seat.

Add the fact that the team has made a number of moves this offseason, aiming to bolster their roster for a postseason run. So, if the Red Wings get off to a slow start, it wouldn't be surprising to see Detroit and Lalonde part ways.