Rick Tocchet is currently the Head Coach of the Flyers (as of mid-October 2026). He is not facing an imminent firing despite a historically bad start, though speculation about potential replacements has increased.
Background
Tocchet coached the Vancouver Canucks from January 2023 until April 2025 (108-65-27 record). He won the Jack Adams Award in 2023-24 after leading them to the Pacific Division title and a second-round playoff appearance. After a turbulent 2024-25 season in which the Canucks missed the playoffs, he declined to return (citing family priorities and wanting to explore other opportunities; the team had offered a new deal after declining his contract option).
- The Canucks promoted assistant Adam Foote as his replacement in May 2025. Foote went 25-49-8 in 2025-26 (last in the NHL) and was fired in May 2026.
- Manny Malhotra (former Canucks player and successful Abbotsford AHL coach, including a Calder Cup win) was hired as the new Canucks head coach in June 2026 and remains in the role.
Tocchet signed a five-year contract with the Flyers (reportedly ~$5.25 million per year) and took over the same day Foote was promoted. In 2025-26, he guided Philadelphia to a 43-27-12 record and their first playoff series win since 2020 (second-round exit).
Current Situation with the Flyers
The Flyers opened with a franchise-worst 0-5-2 start (outscored badly, limited offense, defensive issues). Fans chanted “Fire Tocchet” during a recent loss. Tocchet has been critical of the team’s compete level and structure.
Tocchet’s job is not in immediate danger, factors include his long-term contract, the strong prior season, player support (e.g., Trevor Zegras), and General Manager Danny Briere’s preference for patience over a quick coaching change so early.
Speculated Coaching Replacements
If the Flyers move on)Media lists of potential successors (mostly from early-to-mid October 2026 coverage) focus on a mix of experienced NHL coaches, assistants, and rising names. Commonly mentioned candidates include:
| Candidate | Background / Notes |
|---|---|
| Bruce Cassidy | Stanley Cup winner (Vegas 2023); previously coached Boston to the Final. High-profile option if available. |
| Kris Knoblauch | Former Edmonton Oilers coach; experience with young talent and high-end skill players. |
| Jay Woodcroft | Former Oilers head coach (strong regular-season results); currently an Anaheim Ducks assistant (availability could be an issue mid-season). |
| Todd Reirden | Current Flyers assistant; easiest internal promotion with prior NHL head-coaching experience (Washington). |
| John Tortorella | Former Flyers coach; known for intensity (more of a long-shot/humorous suggestion in some coverage). |
| Gerard Gallant | Veteran NHL coach with multiple stops; recently stepped away from KHL role. |
In short, Tocchet’s actual Canucks successor was Adam Foote (later replaced by Manny Malhotra). With the Flyers, he remains in place for now despite the poor start, with the candidates above representing the main names circulating if a change eventually occurs.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
Cool Matvei Michkov merchandise
About Author
