It was no surprise that Paul Maurice had the “interim” tag removed Monday. That was all but a foregone conclusion from the time the Carolina Hurricanes eliminated the New Jersey Devils.
But Ron Francis will be back with him behind the bench as associate coach, and that is a surprise — and not only because he was adamant during his lengthy playing career that he had no interest in coaching.
Francis started last season as the Hurricanes’ assistant general manager, where his performance was by all accounts exemplary. Asked to join Maurice behind the bench in December when Peter Laviolette was fired, Francis complied.
Now, he’s there for the near future at least, with his new title of “director of player development” reflecting his duties in the front office — reduced, but still active.
The path should be open for Francis to be a coach or general manager with this organization when the time comes. Monday, he kept both of his options open.
Luke has worked for The N&O since 2000. He covered the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL before becoming a sports columnist in August 2008. A native of Evanston, Ill., he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at (919) 829-8947, @LukeDeCock on Twitter or
Comments
No Surprizes ?
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 11:09 — esteban1949While many from the fan base to the local press would give the impression that keeping last seasons dream team behind the bench together for another year to try and see if they, with the players they end up with, will get the Canes back to the playoffs again in the upcoming season. Grandma always taught that there 3 things that were certain:
1. death
2. taxes
3. What grandma said
but from this fans perspective, whose face isn't in the glass or as close as others are, see it a different way. The resigning of the " Bench Squad" is the first of several steps the front office will have to look at & over closely. As there are other teams in and within the division, and conference who are NOT going to sit idly by and allow or permit the Carolina Hurricanes to run over them. So we the fans sit, wait and watch....as well as hope & even pray, that the Bench Squad will put together a team that when as healthy as the Canes were, will be able to repeat and possibly go just as far, if not farther than they did this past season.
Call me silly, a dullard or a dreamer...But we the fans, are the spine of a team. And OUR Team is The Carolina Hurricanes !
But all of this would have been a mute issue if the Management at home said NO...then what we say here on both sides of the printing press would be for naught ...wouldn't it ? After all if Momma aint happy...No One Is Happy...or did we over look that small detail ???
Go Canes !!
Adrenaline rush
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 06:29 — lewpulsI think most coaches must be "addicted" to the "adrenaline rush" of the game and the competition, even though they're not playing. It turns out Ron Francis is too. And after all, it must be more enjoyable when you're winning.