Blackhawks Announce Jared Nightingale as Rockford IceHogs Head Coach

Nightingale played professional hockey from 2005-2018. The former defenseman played four years with Michigan State University and professionally in the ECHL and AHL. Nightingale played one season (2013-14) with the Rockford IceHogs and played 67 games, scoring one goal and three assists. Nightingale served as the Captain during his time in Rockford. 

Nightingale was the assistant coach for the IceHogs for two seasons, 2022-24, before becoming the head coach of the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL in the 2024-25 season. Nightingale had a respectable 52-15-0-5 record (.757 win percentage) in South Carolina. The Stingrays lost to the Orlando Solar Bears in the South Division semifinals in the Kelly Cup Playoffs. 

This is an interesting hire for Rockford. Nightingale has limited head coaching experience but an excellent record in his one season as head coach. He has experience working with young players as he was an assistant coach in the USHL (Omaha Lancers and the U17 National Team). Nightingale was also an associate coach in the OHL's Saginaw Spirit. 

With more Blackhawks prospects on the way to the Rockford IceHogs, this is more important than fans realize. Nightingale will work with players like Nick Lardis (assuming he spends time in Rockford). If Kyle Davidson believes that Rockford is as important for player development as he said it is, hiring a solid head coach for the Blackhawks' AHL affiliate is an important decision.