Yesterday, we found out that University of Denver Pioneers head coach Jim Montgomery is still a candidate for the Florida Panthers head coaching position. From UND fan’s favorite beat writer.<\/p>\n
Mike Chambers, Denver Post <\/a>\u2013 (Jim) Montgomery, the NCAA coach of the year who led the Pioneers to the NCAA championship April 8 in his fourth season at the school, interviewed with the Panthers on April 24 and will\u00a0have a second interview with the team near the end of this month, according to a source.<\/p>\n
Reached Thursday by phone in Denver, Montgomery declined to comment on his discussions with the Panthers but said he would only jump to the NHL for \u201cthe perfect opportunity<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
First, this can be seen two different ways. Montgomery is looking for a nice extension from the University of Denver. Makes a lot of sense, his stock couldn’t be higher after winning a NCAA title. He’s probably due to receive a nice bump in pay.<\/p>\n
Second, Montgomery is seriously entertaining the opportunity to coach in the NHL. Montgomery’s results speak for themselves, he’s great at developing young players and could be a great fit in South Florida. Of course Pioneers fans don’t want to lose their head coach.<\/p>\n
Finally, I am not openly cheering the move, but I am interested in seeing another college coach make the jump from division I college hockey to the NHL.<\/p>\n
\nReport: Denver's Jim Montgomery getting 2nd interview with Panthers. https:\/\/t.co\/JYZAVPaUgc<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/c8OzgzMuRs<\/a><\/p>\n
— theScore (@theScore) May 4, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n