Ken Hitchcock is returning to the Blues on a one-year deal. Though the deal is designed to be one final chance for Hitchcock to lead the Blues to glory, it may end up having long-term consequences.
Because of Hitchcock’s one-year deal, the Blues offered similar one-year contracts to the team’s assistant coaches. Brad Shaw turned the offer down.
Spoke with Brad Shaw, who was thankful for his decade in STL. But with one year being offered to assistants, he felt now was time to leave.
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) May 31, 2016
It remains to be seen who will accept or move on, but the biggest name which may be in jeopardy is Kirk Muller. Muller is a man who isn’t short on options. Believed to be the best internal candidate to take over the head coaching job after Hitchcock, other teams have also expressed an interest should he become available.
Muller is a potential candidate to replace Hitch, Armstrong says.
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) May 31, 2016
But, Muller wants a deal with more years.
Also, it is not a guarantee that Muller will remain. He is also seeking more term and may have other options. Situation is still playing out
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) May 31, 2016
In summary, Muller may move on because of the Hitchcock situation and the decision to only give the assistants one-year offers as a result. The team which directly mentions Muller is a strong head coach candidate is doing all it can to drive him away.
If Muller is the future, or if the Blues feel he could be, why wait? Why not make that transition sooner than later and say farewell to Hitchcock before the “Farewell Tour” can officially start?
The whole situation is rather puzzling. Hitchcock isn’t a bad coach, but it’s safe to say his message has been heard by the roster and it’s pretty doubtful it’s ever going to change, especially in his final season. The players could benefit from a fresh voice and a fresh approach, particularly one which can adapt when the situation calls for it.
Muller is going to land a head coaching job, but it may not be with the Blues after the team elected to stick with the familiar for one more season.
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