List of Chicago Blackhawks Head Coaches (1926-2024)
The Chicago Blackhawks, a storied franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL), have witnessed the guidance of numerous head coaches since their inception in 1926. Over nearly a century, these coaches have left an indelible mark on the team’s history, contributing to its successes and enduring legacy. In this article, we delve into the comprehensive list of Chicago Blackhawks head coaches from 1926 to 2024, examining their tenures, achievements, and the evolution of coaching styles that have shaped the team’s identity.
Also Read: List of Carolina Hurricanes Head Coaches (1997-2024)
List of Chicago Blackhawks Head Coaches (1926-2024)
| # | Name | Term | Achievements |
| 1 | Pete Muldoon* | 1926–1927 | |
| 2 | Barney Stanley* | 1927–1928 | |
| 3 | Hughie Lehman* | 1928 | |
| 4 | Herb Gardiner* | 1928–1929 | |
| 5 | Dick Irvin | 1929 | |
| 6 | Tom Shaughnessy* | 1929–1930 | |
| 7 | Bill Tobin* | 1930 | |
| 8 | Dick Irvin | 1930–1931 | |
| 9 | Bill Tobin* | 1931–1932 | |
| 10 | Emil Iverson* | 1932–1933 | |
| 11 | Godfrey Matheson* | 1933 | |
| 12 | Tommy Gorman† | 1933–1934 | 1933–34 Stanley Cup championship |
| 13 | Clem Loughlin* | 1934–1937 | |
| 14 | Bill Stewart* | 1937–1939 | 1937–38 Stanley Cup championship |
| 15 | Paul Thompson* | 1939–1944 | |
| 16 | Johnny Gottselig* | 1944–1947 | |
| 17 | Charlie Conacher* | 1948–1950 | |
| 18 | Ebbie Goodfellow* | 1950–1952 | |
| 19 | Sid Abel | 1952–1954 | |
| 20 | Frank Eddolls* | 1954–1955 | |
| 21 | Dick Irvin | 1955–1956 | |
| 22 | Tommy Ivan† | 1956–1957 | |
| 23 | Rudy Pilous‡ | 1957–1963 | 1960–61 Stanley Cup championship |
| 24 | Billy Reay | 1963–1976 | |
| 25 | Bill White* | 1976–1977 | |
| 26 | Bob Pulford | 1977–1979 | |
| 27 | Eddie Johnston | 1979–1980 | |
| 28 | Keith Magnuson* | 1980–1982 | |
| 29 | Bob Pulford | 1982 | |
| 30 | Orval Tessier* | 1982–1985 | 1982–83 Jack Adams Award winner |
| 31 | Bob Pulford | 1985–1987 | |
| 32 | Bob Murdoch | 1987–1988 | |
| 33 | Mike Keenan | 1988–1992 | |
| 34 | Darryl Sutter | 1992–1995 | |
| 35 | Craig Hartsburg | 1995–1998 | |
| 36 | Dirk Graham* | 1998–1999 | |
| 37 | Joel Quenneville | 2008–2018 | 3 Stanley Cup championships (2009–10, 2012–13, 2014–15) |
| 38 | Jeremy Colliton* | 2018–2021 | |
| 39 | Derek King* | 2021–2022 | |
| 40 | Luke Richardson* | 2022–present |
Who is the Most Successful Head Coach for the Chicago Blackhawks?
Determining the most successful head coach for the Chicago Blackhawks involves a nuanced examination of both regular season and playoff performances, as well as any notable achievements. Among the coaches with notable achievements, one stands out prominently:
Joel Quenneville (2008–2018):
- Regular Season: 797 games, 452 wins, 249 losses, 96 ties, 1,000 points, .627 Win%
- Playoffs: 128 games, 76 wins, 52 losses, .594 Win%
- Achievements: 3 Stanley Cup championships (2009–10, 2012–13, 2014–15), a testament to Quenneville’s exceptional coaching acumen and ability to lead the Blackhawks to the pinnacle of success.
Joel Quenneville’s tenure marked an era of unparalleled success for the Chicago Blackhawks, solidifying his status as the most successful head coach in the franchise’s history. His strategic prowess, leadership, and the ability to guide the team to multiple championships make him a legendary figure in Blackhawks’ coaching history.
In conclusion, the Chicago Blackhawks’ coaching lineage is a captivating narrative of resilience, triumphs, and the enduring pursuit of excellence. Each head coach has left an imprint on the team’s journey, contributing to its rich and diverse history. As we reflect on the list of head coaches from 1926 to 2024, Joel Quenneville’s legacy emerges as the epitome of success, leaving an indelible mark on the Chicago Blackhawks and etching his name in the annals of hockey history.
