Appointment of Greg Cronin as Head Coach
In a significant shift for their AHL affiliate, the Minnesota Wild have appointed Greg Cronin as the new head coach for the Iowa Wild, replacing Brett McLean. Cronin, who brings a wealth of coaching experience across various levels including college hockey and the NHL, will step into the role after McLean’s tenure, which began with no prior head coaching background at the professional level.
Coaching Background
Cronin, aged 62, has an extensive coaching history that dates back to the 1980s, including stints at institutions like Colby College and the University of Maine. Most recently, he served as the head coach of the Anaheim Ducks but was let go in April 2023, despite having a year remaining on his contract. While in Anaheim, Cronin’s record was 62 wins against 87 losses and 15 overtime losses over two seasons, and he was praised for establishing a culture of accountability within the struggling franchise.
Selection Process
The search for a new head coach was led by Matt Hendricks, the general manager of the Iowa Wild, with input from Minnesota Wild’s general manager Bill Guerin and his assistants. Hendricks expressed the need for a candidate with a robust history in player development. After receiving numerous applications and conducting virtual interviews with seven finalists, Hendricks highlighted Cronin’s detailed knowledge of the game, particularly in aspects of play such as five-on-five strategies and special teams, as a standout quality.
Coaching Style and Expectations
Cronin’s coaching journey includes successful runs at various institutions and teams, with previous NHL roles as an assistant with the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders. His coaching style has been described as demanding and straightforward, in contrast to McLean’s perceived approach as a players’ coach.
In his inaugural season, Cronin will continue to receive payments from his contract with the Ducks, indicating his enthusiasm for the AHL position despite the financial security of other options. The Iowa Wild have struggled recently, finishing at the bottom of the AHL standings for two consecutive seasons and not qualifying for the playoffs since their relocation from Houston in 2013.
Looking Ahead
The change in leadership also suggests a strategic direction for the Wild organization. Hendricks indicated that while there may be speculation about Cronin using this role as a stepping stone back to the NHL, he seems genuinely enthusiastic about working closely with younger talent. Prospects under Cronin’s tutelage this season might include players such as Hunter Haight, Riley Heidt, and Carson Lambos, among others.
One of Cronin’s last coaching challenges included implementing significant upgrades to the Ducks’ special teams, which had struggled greatly during his tenure. The Wild are hopeful that Cronin’s experience will facilitate development and improve performance in Iowa as they aim to restore the team’s competitive edge. His excitement about mentoring young players was reflected in conversations during the hiring process, suggesting a commitment to fostering growth within the organization.
As the Wild look towards the future, they hope that Cronin’s leadership will help cultivate a solid foundation for the next generation of professional hockey players, while also aiming to enhance team dynamics and performance on the ice.
Departure of Brett McLean
Brett McLean, who previously held the position, has departed to join the Vancouver Canucks’ new coaching staff, with the remainder of his Iowa coaching staff remaining in place.
