Toronto Maple Leafs: 2 Coaches Who Should Replace Sheldon Keefe

After another disappointing loss in the playoffs, Sheldon Keefe could be replaced as the Toronto Maple Leafs head coach.

If this is in fact the end of Sheldon Keefe’s career behind the Toronto Maple Leafs bench, it’s been a great run. Actually, it’s been a fantastic run, if you don’t include the playoff results.

Obviously the playoff losses sting, but overall, Keefe’s record has been spectacular. In 3.5 seasons, Keefe’s record is 166-71-30. In the history of this franchise, that’s the best winning percentage by any head coach, as this team has been a powerhouse throughout the regular season for the past four years.

So why would the Leafs consider firing a coach who’s been the most successful in team history? Why would they change anything if the team continues to make the playoffs year after year?

Well at the end of the day, professional sports are all about instant reaction a lot of the time. You can’t fire all of the players for losing in the playoffs, so one of the easiest fixes is to fire the coach. It’s not Sheldon Keefe’s fault that Morgan Rielly’s goal didn’t count, when it was a goal, or that Sergei Bobrovsky was unbelievable, but when you continue to lose in the playoffs, something has to give.

Personally, I don’t think firing the coach will change the outcome of how this team performs if they keep the same players, but maybe a fresh face will help. The coach is important in hockey, but this sport is so random at times, that one bad bounce can make or break a season, so it doesn’t necessarily always matter who’s behind the bench.

However, if the Leafs do fire Keefe, here are two quality replacements for the 2023-24 season.