Former Detroit Red Wings Goalie Jimmy Howard Reflects on Challenges Under Coach Mike Babcock

Former Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard has recently opened up about his experiences under then-head coach Mike Babcock, highlighting a coaching style that often seemed more self-serving than team-focused. Howard, who dedicated 16 years to the Red Wings organization, spoke candidly on the Cam and Strick Podcast about various interactions with Babcock that left many puzzled over the coach’s motives.

Howard, who succeeded Chris Osgood as Detroit’s top goalie in 2009, recalled an incident where Babcock publicly endorsed defenseman Tyler Myers instead of him for the Calder Trophy, despite Howard’s impressive rookie stats. This instance was emblematic of Babcock’s often controversial decision-making.

“He did a media scrum right in front of me… and he was like, ‘My vote’s for Tyler Myers,’” Howard recounted. “That was a little shocking, especially considering I was right there.”

Beyond individual accolades, Babcock’s handling of team veterans also stirred discontent. One of the more notable controversies involved Hall of Fame forward Mike Modano being benched during the last game of a season, stopping him from reaching 1,500 career games.

Similarly, during an outdoor game against the Blackhawks in Chicago, Babcock benched Chris Chelios, another Hall of Famer, after just one brief appearance on the ice. The decision was particularly poignant as it occurred in Chelios’s hometown, leading to an absurd scene where Chelios received beers from his family from the stands for the rest of the game.

These incidents underlined a pattern of behavior that provoked widespread criticism, culminating in Johan Franzen, a former Red Wings forward, describing Babcock in 2019 as “the worst person I have ever met.” Franzen, who suffered from chronic head injuries, detailed a toxic environment where Babcock’s verbal abuses were a daily ordeal.

Howard admitted that he might have been “naive” or too focused on the game to notice the extent of Babcock’s controversial tactics. “Was I living in my own little world that much that I didn’t notice what was going on,” Howard pondered during the podcast. Despite the ongoing in-game chaos, Howard said his interactions with Babcock were limited to occasional, if biting, remarks.

Babcock’s approach has not only affected his reputation but has also had tangible consequences on his coaching career, including being let go by the Toronto Maple Leafs and more recently facing allegations of invading players’ privacy with the Columbus Blue Jackets, leading to an NHLPA investigation.

Post-retirement, Howard has transitioned into broadcasting, joining the news desk for Detroit Red Wings games—a role that has proven challenging yet hopeful, reminiscent of Chris Osgood’s own successful shift from hockey to broadcasting.

As Howard continues to adjust to his role off the ice, the reflections on his career provide a window into the complex dynamics of professional sports, marked not only by physical demands but also the challenging personalities that sometimes dominate the rink.