The Anaheim Ducks have officially moved on from head coach Greg Cronin, announcing Saturday that he will not return for the 2025-26 NHL season. The decision comes after back-to-back seasons without playoff appearances, as the team continues its long rebuild and search for a return to contention.
GM Pat Verbeek Speaks on the Decision
Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek shared a thoughtful message following Cronin’s dismissal. While expressing gratitude for Cronin’s hard work and positive influence on Anaheim’s young core, Verbeek made it clear that a new direction is needed.
“I want to personally thank Greg for his tireless work and dedication to the team,” said Verbeek. “He is responsible in many ways for the improvement we’ve seen from our young core. However, after several weeks of careful evaluation, I concluded we needed a change in direction and a new voice.”
Verbeek added that the decision was “extremely difficult” but necessary for the club’s long-term goal of becoming a Stanley Cup contender.
Cronin’s Tenure in Anaheim
Greg Cronin was hired as the Ducks’ head coach on June 4, 2023. His time behind the bench lasted two seasons, during which the team compiled a record of 62-87-15. Though the Ducks showed slight improvement this past season — jumping from 59 standings points in 2023-24 to 80 in 2024-25 — the progress wasn’t enough to justify keeping Cronin on board.
Anaheim still missed the playoffs by a wide margin, finishing 16 points out of the final Western Conference wild-card spot and ranking 25th overall in the NHL. Despite improvements in play and development from young players like Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish, the team’s growth hasn’t translated into real postseason hopes.
Cronin’s Coaching Background
The 61-year-old Cronin brought a wealth of coaching experience to Anaheim, though this was his first NHL head coaching role. Before joining the Ducks, he spent five seasons as the head coach of the AHL’s Colorado Eagles from 2018 to 2023. His developmental success with Colorado played a large role in his hire, as Anaheim’s roster continues to feature a young, growing core.
Cronin also served as an NHL assistant coach for the New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs from 2011 to 2018. His resume includes college coaching as well — most notably as the head coach at Northeastern University from 2005 to 2011 and earlier assistant roles at the University of Maine.
Known for his attention to detail and defensive structure, Cronin was tasked with developing Anaheim’s young talent. While he did see progress in individual players, the team’s lack of consistent results and inability to compete for a playoff spot ultimately led to his dismissal.
What’s Next for the Ducks?
With Greg Cronin out, the Ducks will now begin the search for a new head coach. Anaheim has a young and talented roster filled with potential, but the next coach must find a way to turn development into wins. The Ducks haven’t made the postseason since 2018, and fans are growing anxious for a return to playoff hockey.
It’s unclear whether the Ducks will look for another first-time NHL head coach or go after a veteran bench boss with a proven track record. Either way, the pressure is on Pat Verbeek to make the right hire as Anaheim continues its rebuild.
Greg Cronin’s exit marks another chapter in the Ducks’ rebuild. While there was measurable growth during his two-year run, it wasn’t enough to push Anaheim closer to playoff contention. The search now begins for a new voice — someone who can not only develop young talent but also lead the team back into the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade.
With a strong core of young players and future stars, the Ducks’ next head coach will have plenty to work with. But results will need to come soon if Anaheim hopes to reestablish itself as a true Stanley Cup contender.
