The Wisconsin Badgers announced via a press release this afternoon that head coach Tony Granato has been relieved of his duties. After taking over as head coach of the Big 10 team during the 2016-17 season, Granato will finish his tenure as head coach with a cumulative 103-129-16 record. The 2021-22 season was by far the most successful of them all, as the team finished first in their division, ultimately losing to Bemidji State in the regional semifinals.
Aside from coaching, Granato is well known for being a part of the Los Angeles Kings during their run to the Stanley Cup Final in 1993. In the best statistical season of his career, the 5’10” forward scored a career-high 37 goals and 45 assists. Unfortunately, the next season, Granato’s career was permanently altered after receiving a hard hit to the head in a game against the Hartford Whalers. There was bleeding in his brain detected, and Granato went out for a time due to surgery as many wondered if he would ever play again. Defeating the odds, Granato returned to the NHL, playing for the San Jose Sharks to finish his career.
Before coaching at Wisconsin, Granato previously coached in the NHL. His most recent coaching position was as an assistant for the Detroit Red Wings from 2014-16. Before that Granato held the same role for the Pittsburgh Penguins between 2009-2014, helping the team win their first Stanley Cup since 1992. The only head coaching position he’s ever had in the NHL was with the Colorado Avalanche from 2002-2004; 2008-2009, finishing with a 104-78-17-16 record.
As with any upcoming offseason, there will be head coaching changes made in the NHL. Although he has not coached at that level since the 2008-09 season, Granato could be of interest to teams looking to make a change behind the bench. Since the news of his dismissal is recent, Granato has not yet commented on his future. Whether he continues in the NCAA, or if he moves back into professional hockey, Granato should be a popular name heading into the offseason.
Best wishes, and good luck for success in your next position. As a Sabres fan, I’m interested in what Don’s brother does. If a HC position doesn’t materialize right away, it might be fun to be an assistant in Buffalo.
@Dan PortuCool – Ditto that!
Hard times for Badger athletics.
Come back to Detroit, Tony!
I never understood why the Rangers traded Granato and Sandstrom for Bernie Nicholls. The only positive for Nicholls in NY was he was part of the big trade for Messier.
As Igor Larionov once said, “Who is Nicholls”
Lol because Nichols was good enough to trade for Messier and the sum of sandstrom and granato was not
Can’t say I’m one bit sad about this being that I have been a diehard Gophers fan for over 20 years now.
I just hope they have a worse record next year lol!
Ski-U-Mah
#PrideOnIce