Recruiting the right coach can make or break a hockey team. Yet, time and time again, organizations fall into the same traps when making this crucial decision. Below are three of the most common—and costly—mistakes that general managers and teams make when hiring a coach, and how to avoid them.

❌ Mistake #1: Choosing Experience Over Fit

It’s easy to be impressed by a coach’s resume. Championships won, teams turned around, high-profile players coached—these accomplishments can be tempting. However, past success doesn’t always translate into future success, especially with a new team.

A coach who thrived in one system might struggle in yours. The real question should be: Do they fit your team’s identity and culture?

• Do they align with your playing style and long-term vision?

• Are they adaptable to your organization’s structure and values?

The Fix:
Instead of hiring based solely on reputation, focus on philosophy and potential fit. Look for coaches who:

• Show adaptability and leadership

• Emphasize teaching and development

• Can connect with today’s players

Winning is important—but building a sustainable program that develops talent should be the bigger goal.

❌ Mistake #2: Overlooking the Coach’s Ability to Develop Players

Too many hires are made with only one metric in mind: the win column. But coaching is about more than just results—it’s about developing people and players.

Ask yourself:

• Have their past players improved under their guidance?

• Do former players speak highly of their mentorship and leadership?

• Are they invested in long-term growth, not just short-term gains?

The Fix:
Choose a coach who teaches, motivates, and inspires. Investigate their track record with player development and how they’ve helped young athletes reach their potential. Development is where true coaching impact lies.

❌ Mistake #3: Sticking to Outdated Coaching Methods

The game is changing rapidly—and so should coaching. Some coaches remain stuck in old-school tactics and outdated training methods, failing to connect with today’s players or use the tools available.

Modern hockey demands:

• A willingness to embrace analytics, video, and sports science

• Strong communication with the modern athlete

• Adaptability to evolving strategies and technologies

The Fix:
Look for coaches who are lifelong learners. The best are constantly updating their approach with the latest tools and trends. Avoid those stuck in "how it used to be"—they’ll only slow your team down.

🚀 Find Coaches the Smart Way

Hiring the right coach doesn’t need to be difficult.

With gotmyteam, you can find top, verified coaches fast:

• Coaches with real experience and success

• A trusted international network

• A smooth and easy hiring process

Need help finding the right coach? Visit gotmyteam.com or send me a message.