Russian hockey insider Artur Khairullin has apparently floated the name of former NHL head coach Mike Babcock as a candidate for the Ak Bars Kazan head coaching position.
Given Babcock’s long résumé in the NHL, it’s not inherently absurd. But this isn’t some blank slate hire — this is a man whose reputation carries both weight and liability.
Babcock hasn’t coached in the NHL since he was fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs in November 2019, which was clouded by questions over whether some of his motivational techniques “may have been below the level of acceptance” internally. That kind of phrasing — “below acceptable” — is gentle speak for “borderline toxic,” and for Babcock it’s not new ground.
So, can the KHL — or any organization, frankly — overlook or manage that weight? Let’s dig into why many would balk.
Mike Babcock’s Tenure in Toronto Ended With Reports of Abusive Coaching Style
When Babcock was hired by Toronto, expectations were sky-high. He was a Stanley Cup winner, a coaching credential as strong as any. But his tenure there became a slow drip of doubts, both on the ice and behind the scenes.
Reports emerged that he pushed players hard, with emotional and psychological pressure tactics. Some players suggested that he engineered situations to provoke responses, to force “buy-in” under stress. More seriously, whispers circulated about how far “motivational” coaching should or shouldn’t go. The ultimate stain: he left in ignominy, with his methods under scrutiny and trust frayed.
In other words: Toronto might not have fired him for record alone, but for the wear and tear he inflicted on relationships, culture, and morale. That reputation — once wild praise, now cautionary tale — is exactly what any team must weigh when considering him today.
If Toronto left scars, Columbus reopened wounds.
In 2023, mere weeks into his Blue Jackets stint, allegations surfaced via the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast that Babcock asked Boone Jenner, the Blue Jackets’ captain, to show his phone, open family photos, to “see what kind of person he is.”
That crossed a line most see as personal and private.
Mike Babcock Resigned from Columbus Job Before Even Coaching Any Games
Even before that, he was accused of asking Mitch Marner in Toronto to rank teammates by effort, knowing the results would be used in internal assessments. It sounded like a power play — more psychological chip than coaching.
Once the allegations hit, the Blue Jackets launched internal investigations. The reaction was swift: Babcock resigned. The front office was left to answer “why him?” rather than talking about the coming season.
Result: A headline-grabbing catastrophe in a matter of days, not months. The perception: given enough rope, he might again strangle the job, the locker room, or both.
So, would a KHL team even dare bringing Babcock aboard?
It’s simple: hiring Babcock isn’t just about hockey Xs and Os. It’s about culture risk, brand image, and the psychological architecture of a team.
Potential upside:
- He still brings pedigree. His NHL record is substantial.
- He knows systems, pressure, elite talent.
- Some groups believe in redemption, in giving a coach a second (or third) act.
Potential downside:
- Any rumored “controlling” or invasive habits will get magnified in media-savvy markets (and Russia has no shortage of media).
- Locker room pushback is likely; modern players are less tolerant of opaque, emotionally aggressive leadership.
- If any misstep happens, it becomes a fodder case — “we warned you” — for fans, media, other teams.
In short: Babcock as KHL head coach is a high-reward, high-risk move. It’s not necessarily unreasonable — but it’s not safe either.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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