Oilers Hire Mike Babcock as Head Coach, Add D.J. Smith to Coaching Staff

The Edmonton Oilers officially ushered in a new era behind the bench on Tuesday, naming Mike Babcock as the 19th head coach in franchise history while also announcing D.J. Smith as an associate coach.

After weeks of speculation, Edmonton finalized a coaching staff that brings extensive NHL experience and reunites two coaches who previously worked together with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Babcock, 63, arrives in Edmonton with one of the most accomplished resumes in hockey. Over 17 NHL seasons, he has compiled a 700-418-183 regular-season record across 1,301 games and added 90 playoff victories in 164 postseason contests. His career accomplishments include a Stanley Cup championship with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008, two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada, an IIHF World Championship title, and a World Cup of Hockey championship.

The Saskatchewan-raised coach began his NHL head coaching career with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 2002 before spending a decade with the Red Wings. During his time in Detroit, Babcock led the club to four consecutive Central Division titles, two Stanley Cup Final appearances, and eight 100-point seasons. He later moved to Toronto in 2015, posting a 173-133-45 record with the Maple Leafs.

For the Oilers, the hire represents a commitment to experience and structure as the organization looks to maximize its championship window with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Joining Babcock’s staff is D.J. Smith, who most recently served as interim head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, posting an 11-6-6 record after taking over on March 1. He originally joined the Kings as an assistant coach in 2024.

The connection between Babcock and Smith runs deep. Smith began his NHL coaching career under Babcock in Toronto in 2015 before earning his first head coaching opportunity with the Ottawa Senators in 2019. Over parts of five seasons in Ottawa, Smith accumulated 131 wins in 317 games, ranking second all-time among Senators head coaches.

Before reaching the NHL, he built an impressive junior coaching résumé. He captured an OHL championship and Memorial Cup with the Oshawa Generals in 2015 after previously guiding the Windsor Spitfires.

With Babcock leading the bench and Smith serving as his top assistant, the Oilers are betting on a veteran coaching duo with a proven history together. Edmonton’s front office hopes the combination of Babcock’s demanding style and Smith’s player relationships can help push the club back into Stanley Cup contention next season.