TOLEDO, Ohio — Dan Watson, head coach of the Toledo Walleye since 2016, is leaving to become the head coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins.
The Detroit Red Wings announced Wednesday that Watson has been hired to coach the organization's American Hockey League affiliate.
“I can’t even begin to describe the honor it has been to be the head coach of the Toledo Walleye for the past six seasons and part of the organization since its inception into the ECHL in 2009," Watson said in a news release from the Walleye Wednesday. "We have accomplished so many things that I am extremely proud of. What a ride this has been and an incredible steppingstone for the next chapter in my coaching career. I will look back on all the experiences from my time in Toledo to continue to develop as a coach within the Red Wings organization.”
The team said a search for Watson's replacement in Toledo is underway and the Walleye hope to have an announcement in a few weeks.
Watson, 43, led the Walleye to a 45-19-5-3 record in the 2022-2023 season, guiding the team to the western conference finals in this year's Kelly Cup playoffs in the ECHL.
He first came to Toledo in 2006-2007 as a defenseman for the Toledo Storm before retiring as a player the next season. The Walleye hired Watson as an assistant coach during that team's inaugural season in 2009-2010. He was promoted to associate coach in 2014 and became head coach in 2016.
Watson never missed the playoffs as head coach, reaching the Kelly Cup Finals twice, in 2019 and 2022. He led Toledo to three division titles, in 2016-2017, 2017-2018 and 2021-2022).
He was awarded the John Brophy Award as the ECHL’s coach of the year in his first year as head coach.
“I’m thrilled to announce Dan as the head coach of the Griffins,” Griffins' General Manager / Detroit Red Wings Assistant General Manager Shawn Horcoff said in a news release. “He established a tremendous winning culture during his six years as head coach in Toledo through his work ethic, communication skills, and the relationships he built with his players. Dan’s passion for player development and familiarity with the Red Wings organization will be vital assets, and we’re confident his experience will lead to the continued growth of our players in Grand Rapids.”
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