Per NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman, the Philadelphia Flyers have brought on Darryl Williams as an assistant coach for the 2021-22 season.
For Williams, it’s his first coaching job since 2019-20, where he served as an assistant coach for the ECHL’s Newfoundland Growlers. Overall, Williams has more than two decades of experience as a head, assistant, and video coach across multiple leagues. This isn’t the first time that Williams will be working under Alain Vigneault as the head coach. Williams served as both a video and assistant coach at various points with the Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers while Vigneault was in charge.
Now 53, the Newfoundland native has settled into quite the coaching career after a long playing career as well. Spending the vast majority in the minor leagues, Williams did get into two NHL games, both with the Los Angeles Kings in 1992-93.
Williams fills the position vacated by Ian Laperriere, who was sent to Philadelphia’s AHL affiliate in Lehigh Valley to be the team’s head coach. Williams will serve on Philadelphia’s assistant staff with Michel Therrien and Mike Yeo, both former head coaches in the NHL.
At least they went outside the organization.
Bob Newhart told me they were also hiring Williams’ brother, Darryl.
I remember Darryl Williams when he played a couple of years with the Detroit Vipers of the IHL. Liked to play it rough and tumble, and he was a fan favorite here.