Latest News About Edmonton Oilers Head Coach Search

Here’s the latest I can share based on recent reporting. I’ll summarize key developments and provide citations after each claim.

Short answer

• Edmonton is in a candidacy stage for a new head coach, with reports tying them to Craig Berube and Bruce Cassidy, among others; the process has involved formal and informal discussions and some permission hurdles, and the team has been evaluating multiple options rather than rushing to a single decision.[1][2][3][5]

Details

Coaching candidates and status

• Craig Berube has emerged as a primary target, with reports that the Oilers were granted permission to interview him as part of their head coach search. This positions Berube as a leading option in Edmonton’s process.[3]
• The Oilers have also pursued Bruce Cassidy, with public indications they sought permission to speak with him, though there have been indications that such permission was not granted or that the situation was more complex (e.g., Cassidy’s status with Vegas complicating conversations).[5][1][3]
• Other outlets note that Edmonton is evaluating multiple options and not rushing to a quick decision, aiming to improve the coaching voice and fit for the roster after a disappointing finish.[2][6]

Process context

• The Oilers fired Kris Knoblauch following a first-round playoff exit, which triggered the broader coaching search and re-evaluation of leadership and structure within the hockey operations department. This context helps explain why the process has involved longer timelines and exploration beyond a single candidate.[2][3]

What to watch next

• Expect further formal interviews or permission discussions with top targets, with public updates likely as the Oilers balance the needs of Connor McDavid and the rest of the roster against the potential fit and culture a new coach would bring.[6][3]

Illustration

• Timeline sketch: Knoblauch fired → Oilers begin coaching search → early discussions with Berube and Cassidy; formal interviews possible for Berube; ongoing evaluation of alternatives; decision pending.

Citations

• Edmonton Oilers expected to interview Craig Berube and waiting for permission to talk with Bruce Cassidy.[1]
• Insider perspectives on a pivotal summer and potential coaching changes, including front-office review alongside coaching changes.[2]
• Report that the Oilers were granted permission to interview Berube as part of the search; Cassidy remains a candidate with interdependency on permissions.[3]
• Additional context on ongoing coaching search, timelines, and multi-candidate evaluation.[6]

If you’d like, I can monitor for the latest updates and summarize any new authoritative reports (with sources) as they appear.