Oct 27, 2021; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville stands behind the bench during the first period between the Florida Panthers and the Boston Bruins at FLA Live Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

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Ducks Interview Joel Quenneville for Head Coaching Role

Anaheim explores veteran coach Joel Quenneville as a top candidate to fill their head coaching vacancy.

The Anaheim Ducks are taking big swings in their search for a new head coach, and they’ve set their sights on a familiar name. According to ESPN’s John Buccigross, and later confirmed by Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, the Ducks recently interviewed longtime NHL coach Joel Quenneville. While Quenneville is being considered for the job, reports suggest he isn’t yet locked in as a finalist.

This marks a potential comeback for Quenneville, who hasn’t stood behind an NHL bench since stepping down as the Florida Panthers’ head coach early in the 2021-22 season. His departure came in the wake of the Chicago Blackhawks’ 2010 sexual assault scandal, where an investigation found Quenneville did not properly respond after learning about serious allegations against a team staff member. Following his resignation, the NHL suspended him indefinitely, a ban that was only lifted last July.

Ducks Interviewed Joel Quenneville For Head Coach Vacancyhttps://t.co/ofLQ0iWugt
— Pro Hockey Rumors (@prohockeyrumors) April 27, 2025

Despite being eligible to return last summer, opportunities were scarce. Only one NHL team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, had a coaching vacancy at the time, and they didn’t reach out to him. Even earlier this year, some teams reportedly showed interest but were told he wasn’t yet available to be hired.

Now, with Anaheim parting ways with Greg Cronin after just one season, Quenneville’s name is officially tied to an open job. Quenneville is one of the winningest coaches in NHL history, boasting three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks (2010, 2013, 2015) and a fourth as an assistant with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996. His track record speaks for itself, but it remains to be seen whether the Ducks, a rebuilding team focused on developing young talent, see him as the right fit.

Meanwhile, Cronin, who was let go by Anaheim earlier this month, has expressed interest in coaching the Boston Bruins, making it clear he’s ready for his next chapter.

The Ducks haven’t revealed whether other candidates have been interviewed, but one thing is certain: bringing in someone like Joel Quenneville would make a major statement about the team’s direction.

Image Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Joel Quenneville

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Anamika Shrivastava

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