BREAKING: Mike Babcock announced as new Oilers head coach

The Edmonton Oilers have officially announced Mike Babcock as their new head coach. Babcock has not coached since 2019.

Babcock last coached for the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2015 to 2019. He was later fired after starting the season 9-10-4.

The Columbus Blue Jackets hired Babcock in July 2023. However, he would never be able to coach a game for the franchise as he resigned two months later after allegations surfaced of Babcock asking players to share personal photos on their phones with him.

Earlier this month, the Oilers reached out to the NHL Players’ Association for a potential return for Babcock. They reportedly asked the NHL to investigate Babcock’s tenure with the Blue Jackets before returning. After the investigation was complete, Babcock was cleared to return.

Babcock joins an Oilers team that is desperate for a Stanley Cup. They lost back-to-back Stanley Cups to the Florida Panthers in 2024 and 2025. This season, the team took another step back and lost to the Anaheim Ducks in six games in the first round. Babcock has coached three teams to the Stanley Cup Final, winning with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008.

D.J. Smith will serve as Babcock’s associate coach. He previously served as an assistant with Babcock on the Maple Leafs, as well as head coach for the Ottawa Senators and Los Angeles Kings.

About the Author Published Jun 23, 2026

CAMERON JOYCE

Cameron Joyce is an NCAAF, NFL, NHL, and MLB beat writer for Ball Exclusives. Cameron also previously worked at The University of Alabama's newspaper, "The Crimson White," covering volleyball and baseball.