Brad Shaw has made it clear that he’s eager to take on the role of full-time head coach for the Philadelphia Flyers, a position he views as “the pinnacle” of coaching. Shaw, who has been serving as the team’s interim head coach since the firing of John Tortorella, recently discussed his experience so far and expressed his deep passion for the role. Shaw admitted that the transition from assistant coach to head coach has been overwhelming at times, especially given the responsibility of managing all aspects of the team. Despite these challenges, Shaw has enjoyed the experience and sees it as a major career milestone.
During his time as interim coach, Shaw guided the Flyers to three consecutive victories before suffering his first loss in Montreal. Although the team showed some promise, Shaw acknowledged that the performances weren’t entirely up to par, as they were relying on outscoring their mistakes. Shaw pointed out that while the wins were encouraging, the team needed to play a more structured and smarter game to sustain success. He emphasized that a more team-oriented approach was necessary for the Flyers to compete effectively in the long run.
One of the major challenges Shaw faced was establishing authority as a substitute teacher figure, a role he compared to that of a substitute teacher in a classroom where players might test boundaries. Shaw understood that certain players would try to take advantage of the temporary situation, and he worked to stay ahead of those tendencies. However, he recognized the difficulty in being too heavy-handed, as he tried to balance expectations with his leadership style, focusing on keeping the team coordinated and disciplined as best as possible.
Shaw has made it clear that coaching the Flyers is something he aspires to full-time, but he also acknowledged that the decision isn’t entirely in his hands. He expressed his admiration for the city and the passionate fans, who, though tough, help keep the team accountable. Shaw also reflected on his time working with the Flyers, including his experience in developing young defensemen such as Rasmus Ristolainen and Jamie Drysdale. His work with these players has earned him recognition within the organization, and his leadership has shown promise during his brief tenure.
As Shaw continues to build his case for the full-time head coach role, the Flyers front office is still weighing their options. Shaw is on a short list of potential candidates, but the final decision will depend on the direction the organization wishes to take. Whether or not Shaw gets the opportunity to lead the Flyers full-time, he has made it clear that he would love the chance to implement his vision from the start of the season. Until then, the Flyers’ front office will be evaluating their coaching options, with Shaw’s future in the balance.
