Flyers Dismiss Assistant Coaches Rocky Thompson, Darryl Williams, and Angelo Ricci
The Philadelphia Flyers have announced a major shakeup to their coaching staff, officially parting ways with assistant coaches Rocky Thompson, Darryl Williams, and Angelo Ricci. The decision comes after several underwhelming seasons, particularly in areas such as the power play, which had been the NHL’s worst during Thompson’s tenure. General Manager Daniel Brière thanked the trio for their efforts but stated that the move was necessary for the team’s future direction.
Rocky Thompson’s departure is especially notable, given his responsibility for the Flyers’ power play and offensive strategy since the 2022-23 season. Despite a slight improvement this past year—largely credited to rookie Matvei Michkov—the team still ranked just 30th in power play efficiency. That consistent lack of production proved too costly for Thompson to remain in his role. The Flyers will now look to bring in someone who can revamp this critical part of their game.
Darryl Williams, who joined the Flyers in 2021-22 and remained through multiple coaching transitions, was also let go. He had previously worked under Alain Vigneault and John Tortorella, bringing decades of NHL coaching experience. Angelo Ricci, the longest-serving of the trio, started as a skills coach in 2019 before moving behind the bench. His dual role as assistant and skills coach lasted for two seasons.
In light of these departures, the Flyers have named Brad Shaw as interim head coach following the exit of John Tortorella. Shaw, who has been a part of the team’s coaching staff since 2022, is recognized for his work in improving the defensive structure and penalty kill. He is also a candidate for the permanent head coaching role, though he remains open to returning as an assistant depending on the team’s final decision.
The Flyers are actively searching for replacements to fill the vacant assistant coaching roles. While no official hires have been announced yet, the organization is aiming to revamp its bench and address key performance issues ahead of the next season. These changes reflect a clear effort to reset and refocus as the team looks to build a more competitive and consistent roster moving forward.
