Mike Babcock Admits He Can’t Believe He’s Coaching the Oilers

Head coaches in new situations always draw a lot of attention to start the season, but none compare to the spotlight on Mike Babcock and the Edmonton Oilers.

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Babcock’s hiring came with a lot of noise and criticism, but the Oilers, as they’ve continuously shown, were willing to block all of that out and key in on getting their guy.

We’ve known as much since Babcock was introduced as head coach, when he let it be known that Edmonton came to him, and after day one of training camp on Thursday, the veteran bench boss revealed that even he can’t believe he’s back and coaching again sometimes.

Babcock said:

“Well, I would say this to you: If they hadn’t come and talked to me, it’s not like I was looking for work. Like, when I see my deer pictures in the morning, I can’t believe I’m doing this, actually. But the reality is, I think this is a great setup, and I think our leadership group wants that, wants to be led, and so I’m gonna do what I can to help them out.

And at the same time, I’m a Western Canadian guy. I like this part of the world. I was a huge Oiler fan when I was a kid after I was an Islanders fan… None [second thoughts]. You know, when you make a decision, you’re all in on that decision,”

The 63-year-old Babcock was hired by the Oilers back in June to what has since been revealed to be a three-year contract, with an option for a fourth year baked into the deal.

While it was only the first day of training camp, reports already seem to suggest that things are much different under Babcock. It’s now time to see whether that changed style of leadership and structure will be what Edmonton needs to get over the hump and win a Stanley Cup.

Next: Ryan Shea Shocks Day One: Oilers’ New $4M Defender Opens Camp on the Top Pairing