The Philadelphia Flyers are reportedly close to installing Stanley Cup-winner John Tortorella as their new head coach. The two sides are currently in the final stages of negotiations, and the agreement could be completed in the coming days, according to The Athletic’s Charlie O’Connor.
The Flyers made Tortorella their priority this offseason and officially offered him the job last week. The 63-year-old took some time to weigh the offer but is believed to be eager to get back in the NHL after sitting out the 2021-22 season.
The Flyers found themselves in need of a new head coach when they fired Alain Vigneault following a disappointing start of the past season that included a 10-game losing streak. Assistant Mike Yeo took over as an interim, and the team finished the campaign with a 25-46-11 record. This marked the fourth-worst record in franchise history.
John Tortorella last coached the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he spent six years and made four playoff trips. The two sides mutually agreed to part ways after the 2020-21 season. Tortorella’s 227 wins with Blue Jackets are the most by any head coach in franchise history.
Previously, Tortorella also served as a head coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, and the Vancouver Canucks. He won the Stanley Cup with Lightning in 2003-04 and has one Conference Finals appearance with the Rangers.
