NEWARK, NJ — 10 May 2025 — Just one day after their end-of-season press conference, the New Jersey Devils made a bold and unexpected move: Assistant Coaches Ryan McGill and Chris Taylor will not return for the 2025-26 season. The coaching shake-up also included the dismissal of longtime head video coach Jerry Dineen and Utica assistant David Cunniff, signaling a significant pivot as the Devils regroup from a playoff run that ended earlier than fans had hoped.
For a team aiming to take the next step toward Stanley Cup contention, these changes are more than just routine restructuring—they represent a philosophical shift in how the Devils want to develop talent, control the ice, and lead from the bench.
❌ Why McGill’s Dismissal Surprised Many
Of all the moves, Ryan McGill’s departure raises the most eyebrows. A staple of the Devils’ bench since 2022, McGill oversaw a defense that finished this season ranked fifth in the NHL for goals allowed. Under his leadership, New Jersey consistently delivered a top-tier penalty kill, ranking third-best in goals allowed while shorthanded.
McGill’s influence was most evident in the rapid development of young blueliners like Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec—two cornerstones of the Devils’ future. His defensive schemes emphasized mobility, smart stickwork, and positioning, and he brought structure to a unit that, just two years ago, was riddled with inconsistency.
Despite a rocky 2023-24 season, the defense rebounded in 2024-25. Yet, McGill is out—leaving fans and analysts wondering whether the numbers backed this decision or if this was more about long-term vision under new head coach Sheldon Keefe.
🤔 Taylor Out, but Less of a Shock
Chris Taylor’s exit, by contrast, is easier to understand. Originally hired in 2020, Taylor worked with the Devils’ forwards during a stretch where offensive performance swung wildly. While individual players showed flashes—especially during the Devils’ electric regular-season power play—consistency at even strength often lagged.
Taylor’s departure might open the door for internal promotions or a fresh offensive voice to partner with Keefe and newly appointed assistant Jeremy Colliton. With an elite offensive core featuring Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Timo Meier, the Devils need a coach who can sharpen their attack and unleash their full potential at 5-on-5.
📉 The 2025 Playoffs: What Went Wrong?
When the Devils were knocked out in five games, two things stood out: a sputtering power play in the postseason and a disastrous second period in Game 5, where defensive lapses and unforced errors cost them dearly.
Even though goaltender Jacob Markstrom let in a few questionable goals, he also kept the Devils alive longer than the team arguably deserved. The defensive collapse, however, wasn’t typical of McGill’s system, which only deepens the surprise behind his dismissal.
🔎 What’s Next for the Devils’ Bench?
With Sheldon Keefe firmly in control, this offseason represents an opportunity to reshape the coaching staff in his image. Whether that means bringing in trusted former colleagues, seeking out recently retired NHL players with coaching aspirations, or elevating internal talent, one thing is clear: this is Keefe’s team now.
Names like Mark Recchi, Adam Oates, or even Patrik Elias—who understands the Devils’ identity better than most—could provide a technical, skill-based approach to help the team’s elite forwards evolve. Elias, in particular, could connect deeply with players and bring an offensive philosophy rooted in creativity and confidence, all without shouldering the burden of power-play expectations.
On the defensive side, if the goal is to continue developing Hughes and Nemec, the right coach should balance structure with freedom—someone who encourages calculated risks and improves breakout passing, a consistent weakness over the past few seasons.
🧠 What Kind of Coach Fits Best?
The Devils’ biggest decisions will likely hinge on balancing offensive spark with defensive reliability. If the team doesn’t hire a high-profile offensive mind, then McGill’s replacement may need to offer more than just defensive fundamentals. A coach who can empower defensemen to jump into the rush, improve outlet passing, and contribute meaningfully in transition could be a game-changer.
With players like Hughes possessing elite speed and puck control but needing refinement in decision-making and shooting, the right voice behind the bench could unlock new levels of productivity.
The Devils must also weigh NHL experience, communication style, and compatibility with the current staff. Someone like Ken Daneyko may come to fans’ minds, but realistic candidates will likely be former players or assistants with recent coaching experience and a developmental mindset.
🔄 Change Brings Opportunity
It’s always tough to see respected figures leave, especially when there’s a track record of success. Ryan McGill helped mold a young defense into one of the league’s best, and Chris Taylor brought stability through a volatile stretch. Their contributions mattered—but the Devils are looking forward.
As Tom Fitzgerald and Sheldon Keefe reshape the bench, Devils fans can expect a team that’s more deliberate in its systems, more structured in its defense, and more strategic in how it supports the offense.
While this week’s news was surprising, it opens the door to bold new ideas and possibly the missing piece that will push this talented roster past the second round and toward a serious run at the Stanley Cup.
🏒 Explore New Jersey’s Takeaway
The Devils are in the middle of a crucial offseason, and coaching changes this significant signal ambition. Whether the focus is unlocking more offense or further polishing the defense, what comes next will shape how competitive this team will be over the next 3–5 years.
With a loaded roster, strong youth pipeline, and a leadership team unafraid to make tough calls, the New Jersey Devils aren’t just retooling—they’re preparing for a championship chase.
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