The Edmonton Oilers have officially fired both head coach Kris Knoblauch and assistant coach Mark Stuart. In a statement released on Thursday morning, GM Stan Bowman noted: “Following a thorough review of this past season, we believe these changes are needed. We are grateful for the contributions both Kris and Mark have made to our organization and we wish them the best moving forward.”

Bowman will meet with the media Thursday to answer questions, some of which are sure to be directed at how this whole situation was handled. The move came after it was learned the team reached out to the Vegas Golden Knights and asked to speak with their former coach, Bruce Cassidy. While Knoblauch was likely to be removed regardless, there is real criticism of how this whole situation was handled.

“Trust me, the minute this story got out there Kris Knoblauch was done as the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers… It’s not normal, this is not how you conduct business,” said Jason Gregor of Sports 1440.

TSN’s Ryan Rishaug also weighed in, writing:

“If the Oilers plan all along was to let Knoblauch go, then their handling of this has been horrendous. If they wanted to explore Cassidy as an option, and if it didn’t work out retain Kris, then it was risky – if it got out, they’d be scuttling a coach they just re-signed and were considering keeping. The fact it got out made a return for Knoblauch impossible.”

He adds, “Arguably the most important off-season in 30 years for this franchise gets off to a rough start. Have to think Bowman and Jackson are very much on the clock as well.”

The move comes after a disappointing first-round playoff exit in the 2025-26 season and comments from Bowman at the end of the season that everything was going to be reevaluated. Both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl had been critical of the team and the coaching on a couple of occasions (lumping them in with other problems), which meant the writing was likely on the wall for the coach. When the two team superstars publicly questioned the organization’s direction, changes were inevitable.

Knoblauch led the Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals appearances, but was criticized for failing to adjust his coaching style or player deployment in his third year. The team regressed, and he ultimately paid the price for failing to deliver a championship. He had a three-year extension that was set to begin next season.

The Oilers are now actively searching for their next head coach, with Bruce Cassidy widely viewed as a top candidate. There may be other options available as well. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun notes, “The Oilers don’t have a coaching replacement already lined up. They plan a formal search to interview various candidates.”

Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now writes, “My belief is that the @EdmontonOilers will target an Experienced Head Coach with Gravitas who has had a history of having structure and process in his team’s game…and has won before!”

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