Babcock's success with the Ducks led to him being hired as the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings in 2005. He led the team to the Stanley Cup Finals in his first season, and won the championship in 2008. Babcock continued to coach the Red Wings until 2015, when he was hired by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
During his time with the Maple Leafs, Babcock helped the team improve their record and make the playoffs in consecutive seasons. However, he was fired in November 2019 after a slow start to the season. Babcock then took a break from coaching before being hired by the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in 2020.
Throughout his career, Babcock has been known for his strict coaching style and attention to detail. He has won numerous awards and accolades, including the Jack Adams Award for NHL Coach of the Year in 2008 and the Olympic gold medal as head coach of the Canadian men's hockey team in 2010 and 2014. Babcock is also a member of the Order of Hockey in Canada, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport in the country.
Despite his success, Babcock has also faced criticism for his coaching methods and treatment of players. In 2019, former NHL player Johan Franzen spoke out about the mental abuse he suffered while playing for Babcock in Detroit. Other players have also shared similar stories, leading to a wider conversation about the culture of coaching in professional sports.
Overall, Mike Babcock has had a successful career as a hockey coach, with multiple championships and awards to his name. However, his coaching style has also been the subject of controversy and criticism, highlighting the need for a more supportive and positive culture in professional sports.
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