Barry Melrose-one of the dumbest all-time moves in sports history

[underpants]

From a career stand point he did one of the all-time boneheaded things ever. It was not without precedent either

Melrose WAS the voice of hockey at least in the analyst field. He gave up the life of showing up at the studio doing his bit and then returning to his life...which he gave up for the vagabond world of coaching. All coaching it that way but especially in the NHL were they fire coaches in the pre-season. There is a cyclical nature to hockey coaching-literally a rolodex of "the next guy" to bring in only to probably fire later.

You've never seen Billy Packer even talking about becoming a coach. There is way more in it that just "Come guys let's go win!!" and wearing a suit. Reading Larry Byrd's book I got a real appreciation for the long hours and minute research/scouting that goes on. From the next opponent to updates on the opponents two weeks from now--trends, injuries,etc. Melrose has spent a lot of time around the hockey world but that jump to being the coach is a huge one.

Melrose fired after 16 games
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gs1yY7Ubq0tQrnvVbnT747kfHHrg

The precedent for TV guys thinking they know everything they need to know are exemplified by two past events

Matt Millen-he openly campaigned for a GM spot while on the air. He lasted far longer than he should have but it was clear early on that he was out of his league.

Quinn Buckner-a great player and a seemingly nice guy who was laughed out of the NBA. He was whoafully under prepared and the players didn't buy his RAh!RAH! stuff.

Dumb move Barry.

[nickgutierrez]

1. Melrose was a coach before, though, wasn't he?

I want to put him in L.A., as the coach of the Kings during the Gretzky days. I could be (and probably am) wrong.

[Forkboy]

2. He was L.A.'s coach, and took them to a Stanley Cup even.

Though with Gretzky on board the trip becomes a little easier. :)

[Forkboy]

3. I didn't see that going well, but even I'm surprised how fast Tampa pulled the trigger.

I saw one of his last games though, and the team was lifeless and getting manhandled for most of it. They looked in for a long season.

Melrose isn't a terrible coach, but he's not a great coach either. I also have to wonder how seriously the players took him after he was a commentator for so long.

Double bad news for Barry. Matthew Barnaby has shown himself to be likable and knowledgeable in his role as ESPN hockey analyst (I'm surprised, too!).

[LisaM]

4. He was with the Red Wings in some coaching capacity at some point

I don't think he was the head coach - may have been, though.

Frankly, I'm glad to get rid of him as a so-called analyst. He was terrible!