Ducks Part Ways With Head Coach Greg Cronin

Anaheim Ducks players celebrating a victory during a game.

News Summary

The Anaheim Ducks have officially announced the departure of head coach Greg Cronin after two seasons with the team. The decision was made in light of the need for a change in direction as the franchise looks to improve its performance and return to the playoffs. Despite some growth in team standings, missing the playoffs for seven consecutive years prompted this significant change, raising anticipation among fans about the search for a new head coach to lead the team forward.

Goodbye, Greg: Ducks Part Ways With Head Coach After Two Seasons

It’s a new chapter for the Anaheim Ducks! The franchise announced on April 7, 2025, that they have decided to part ways with head coach Greg Cronin, leaving fans and players alike buzzing with curiosity about what comes next. After two seasons at the helm, Cronin’s era was cut short, even though he did manage to steer the team toward improvement in the standings.

A Change in Direction

The Ducks’ general manager, Pat Verbeek, shared that the decision stemmed from a need for change in direction and a new voice. While Verbeek recognized Cronin’s contributions to the development of the team’s young core, it seems that the feeling was that in order to keep moving forward, a fresh perspective was needed. After finishing the 2024-2025 season with a record of 35 wins, 37 losses, and 10 overtime losses—totaling 80 points—the team marked a 21-point jump from the previous year’s lackluster performance of 27 wins, 50 losses, and 5 overtime losses.

That said, missing the playoffs for a staggering seventh consecutive year was likely a significant factor in the decision to move on from Cronin. Throughout his tenure, he posted a record of 62 wins, 87 losses, and 15 overtime losses, which reflects both a journey of growth yet a season that consistently fell short of success.

Statistics Don’t Lie

When looking at team performance, it’s hard to ignore some red flags that emerged during Cronin’s coaching. The Ducks finished the season with the worst power play percentage in the league, clocking in at a mere 11.8%. This left them 30th in total offense, a statistic that surely contributed to fan frustration and the urgency to find a head coach who can turn things around. The defense also struggled, ranking 23rd in the league. Meanwhile, the goalies, Lukas Dostal and John Gibson, posted a combined save percentage of .901, which isn’t exactly a shining endorsement of the existing strategy.

Younger Players on the Rise

Despite the team’s shortcomings, there were some bright spots. Young talents like Mason McTavish, Leo Carlsson, and Cutter Gauthier showed potential that the franchise hopes to harness effectively moving forward. However, Cronin faced criticism for not giving these younger players enough ice time, as veterans frequently logged the highest minutes, raising questions about the development opportunities for the rising stars.

Looking Ahead

Now, as the Ducks gear up to search for a new head coach, fans are left wondering whom they might bring in to steer the ship. Florida and Chicago have opted for interim coaches recently, while Anaheim seems poised for a more thorough search, looking for leadership that can truly elevate the team. Verbeek has expressed hopes of getting the Ducks back into the playoffs for the first time since 2018. That’s a tall order, but with a revamped coaching strategy and possibly a roster shake-up through free agency, it’s certainly not out of reach.

Following Cronin’s dismissal, Verbeek engaged in a personal meeting to share the news, which reportedly left Cronin in a state of shock. It’s clear that while Cronin played a vital role in terms of accountability and fostering development, the belief is that a different leadership direction could yield better results for the franchise.

As the town of Anaheim contemplates this significant change, one thing is certain: the Ducks are focused on building a future that they hope will finally lead to the coveted Stanley Cup. Get ready, Ducks fans—the offseason is going to be a thrilling ride!