If you were given the job as the new Toronto Maple Leafs’ general manager (GM), what would you do? Obviously, there are a million things that need to get caught up on. However, one question looms large.
Specifically, would you fire Maple Leafs’ head coach Sheldon Keefe?
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Another Postseason, Another Maple Leafs Series Loss
If you were the general manager of the Maple Leafs, it’s understandable that you would feel the pressure to do better in the postseason. Given the team’s poor result, what would you do? Would you chalk it up a the Maple Leafs meeting an exceedingly hot goalie in Sergei Bobrovsky? Or, would you blame the lack of team scoring and poor coaching? Would you see a need to make changes after another disappointing postseason result?
Every Maple Leafs’ fan knows the deal. While Sheldon Keefe has had huge success in the regular season, his playoff performance has been lacking. During the regular season, no other Maple Leafs’ coach in franchise history can touch his success. But really, is that enough?
In Making the Call on Keefe, What Would You Look At?
Ultimately, the decision on whether to keep Keefe or bring in a new coach needs to be based on careful evaluation. A number of factors must be considered as part of the team’s long-term goals.
Specifically, here are a few questions to consider:
Consideration One: How Should We Evaluate Keefe’s Performance?
When we take a closer look at Keefe’s coaching style, strategies, and adjustments made during the playoffs, what do we see? Were the team’s struggles a result of poor coaching decisions, wrong player execution, or a combination of both? When we consider Keefe’s ability to adapt during the playoffs, has he made the necessary changes at the most crucial moments?
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Consideration Two: What Do Keefe’s Players Say?
Player feedback is crucial to assessing a coach’s success Any new GM would be wise to seek input from key players and team leaders. What are their thoughts on Keefe’s coaching? Does he give the team confidence in his ability to lead them? Do they think he’s the coach that will eventually bring them postseason success? Players’ perspectives provide valuable insights into the team’s dynamics and whether a coaching change is necessary. What do they think?
Consideration Three: Are There Good Coaching Alternatives?
When the coaching landscape is explored, are there good alternatives? What’s the availability of other coaching candidates? Are they suitable? Would they bring a fresh perspective and a track record of success in the playoffs?
It would be illogical – ok, crazy – to get rid of Keefe without bringing in someone who might have the potential to be better. In other words, are there other coaches who have demonstrated the ability to maximize the performance of this skilled team during the postseason?
Consideration Four: What Is the Team’s Long-Term Vision?
Considering the team’s long-term goals and the type of culture it wants to establish is key to success within any organization. How does Coach Keefe align with the organization’s vision? He’s been successful so far, but does he have the potential to grow and adapt as a coach? Can he help (or does he hinder) the achievement of the organization’s goals?
It would be necessary to determine if a coaching change could actually enhance the team’s progress and provide the kind of change that would bring improvement.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, if the decision to fire Sheldon Keefe and bring in a new coach was your decision as the general manager, what would you do? How would you weigh all the factors so as to make an informed choice that would give the team its best chance for success in the upcoming season and postseason?
That’s the single key question.