Adam Oates has been hired as the next head coach of the Washington Capitals. It’s his first job as an NHL head coach. He played for the Caps from 1996 to 2002.
Washington Capitals Confirm Hiring Of Adam Oates As Next Head Coach
“We are very pleased to name Adam Oates as the new head coach of the Washington Capitals,” said team general manager George McPhee. “Adam was a highly intelligent player in the NHL for 19 seasons. He has been an assistant coach in our conference for the past three seasons and is prepared to lead our club as head coach.”
For more on the Capitals coaching saga, check in with our StoryStream. SB Nation DC and Japers’ Rink have things covered from a local perspective.
Read Article >Adam Oates Will Reportedly Be New Washington Capitals Head Coach
It’s believed that Oates beat out former Chicago assistant coach Mike Haviland and Jon Cooper, the head coach of the AHL’s Calder Cup Champion Norfolk Admirals, among others.
General manager George McPhee was expected to make a coaching decision this week as the team winds down from the NHL Draft and prepares for free agency. They’ve been without a coach -- really, without an entire coaching staff -- since Dale Hunter stepped down from the job on May 14. The Capitals legend was never comfortable after taking over in November 2011 for Bruce Boudreau and decided to return to coach the London Knights in the OHL.
Read Article >Dale Hunter To Rejoin London Knights As Head Coach
Hunter has had an ownership stake in the team since 2000, along with his brother Mark, who is the team’s general manager, and was the head coach briefly in Dale Hunter’s absence. Their father is also a scout for the Knights.
For more on Hunter’s now-former team, head over to Japers’ Rink and SB Nation DC.
Read Article >Dale Hunter Leads Washington Capitals To Brink Of Another Upset


March 27, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals head coach Dale Hunter watches from behind the bench against the Buffalo Sabres in the second period at Verizon Center. The Sabres won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE UPDATE: Dale Hunter has stepped down as head coach in Washington.
He’s been labeled a coach in over his head.
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