Seattle NHL Group Hires Former Coyotes Coach As Special Advisor

Tippett also would not rule out acting as a coach for the potential franchise if the opportunity aroseGETTY IMAGES

Former Coyotes Exec VP/Hockey Operations and coach Dave Tippett has been "hired as a senior advisor for the Tod Leiweke-run group bidding for an NHL expansion franchise" in Seattle, according to Geoff Baker of the SEATTLE TIMES. Tippett will "help oversee the development of all aspects of the organization, including the construction of a training facility" and securing an AHL affiliate. Tippett will "bring a hockey insider's voice to everything, from where to locate the training facility to how to decorate the dressing rooms at a revamped KeyArena." As the Seattle expansion franchise "won't be awarded before September," no GM has been hired yet and thus "no decision can be made on a coach." Tippett said, "I'm not ruling it out. It would have to be the right situation. But also, I'm intrigued about getting into another part of the game with this" (SEATTLE TIMES, 6/19).