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Philadelphia Flyers Make More Significant Organizational Changes After Hiring Rick Tocchet

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated May 15, 2025 10:28 PM ET

The Philadelphia Flyers are already making a major organizational change behind the bench following the hiring of Rick Tocchet as their new head coach.

Major changes have been coming to the Philadelphia Flyers in recent weeks, as general manager Daniel Briere terminated coach John Tortorella with only a handful of games left in the year when it became clear a playoff spot wasn't in the cards.

Assistant coach Brad Shaw took over the coaching responsibilities on an interim basis, and was considered a candidate to take over full time. However, the Flyers have hired former Vancouver Canucks bench boss Rick Tocchet as their new head coach.

Conversely, the Flyers have announced that Shaw will not be retained on Tocchet's new staff.

The Flyers had also already dismissed assistants Angelo Ricci, Rocky Thompson, and Darryl Williams.

Tocchet, who becomes the 25th head coach in Flyers history, can't wait to get started.

I've always been a Flyer at heart and have taken that passion and energy that embodies this city and organization with me throughout my career. I want to thank (general manager) Danny Briere, (president of hockey operations) Keith Jones and (governor) Dan Hilferty for this honor and opportunity. I couldn't be more excited to lead this team back among the NHL elite where we belong. We have a lot of work to do and much to accomplish, but I am confident in the direction we are heading and determined to get us there.

Tocchet spent the last 2.5 years with the Canucks, winning the Jack Adams Trophy as the NHL's best coach last season after leading Vancouver to the Pacific Division title.

He chose to depart after the Canucks failed to make the playoffs this year.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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