Mike Babcock On His Time With Maple Leafs, Incidents With Players & What Went Wrong

Mike Babcock sat down for The Big Picture and talked about his past as a coach in the NHL, clearing the air about a few incidents with players that have come up over the past few months.
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[@PierreC2]

I wish she would have asked him this question " Why, in a meaningless game, did you not dress Modano in his last game when he was looking to reach 1500 game played ? Modano finished at 1499... That one is tough to answer..other question she should have asked...Chelios back in Chicago for the winterclassic..Babcock didnt want to dress him, Holland said you need to play him his family is in the stand. He dressed him and played him...one shift ! That could have been a tough question to answer.

[@winsorcrocker9911]

What about when Jason Spezza went to Ottawa first time and he was a healthy scratch.

[@joeq.public281]

Reporters are too chicken to ask the tough questions for fear of losing their access.

[@ericgideon9237]

Ah forgot to ask him why he scratched Mike Modano before his 1500th career NHL game. His career was ended (by Babcock) at 1499 games played.

[@bambam000]

I once met Mike Babcock as he was walking down Dundas and Richmond with London Knights personnel heading to Budweiser Gardens Arena. When I stopped at the crosswalk next to him and realized i was standing next to him, i was super polite and kept the conversation short and sweet by wishing him good luck in Toronto. He didn't even make eye contact as I spoke to him, but instead gave me the side eye and said thanks bud and walked off. Prior to meeting him, i always thought he seemed like a douche, but after meeting him pretty much sealed the deal.

[@jleif7736]

Lol sounds like "results based analysis" Because I've seen Babcock in Ann Arbor Michigan, where his daughter was going to college, and he was super polite to me. I didn't ask for an autograph or anything, but I called him a legend and stopped introduced himself and shook my hand.

[@rowdyroddysniper8414]

Yeah yeah we've all seen Babs in Ann Arbor where his daughter was going to college eh buds 😉

[@keith96969]

@@rowdyroddysniper8414next you see him call him a wanker

[@geoffpopowich]

Wait did he just say the Leafs tanked to get Matthews?

[@joer8854]

Yes and no. The leafs were horrible and trying to fix the team would take longer and be harder than starting over. They were tearing it down anyway so making sure you finish last when you unload assets for picks only makes sense. It's not like they were purposely losing with a decent team. That's why Burke was fired. Burke believed the team was a playoff team a few pieces away from being a contender. He points to the playoffs run the year he was fired as proof of that. I would say it's proof they made the right call. If you look at Reimer's stats that year and consider he played 33 of 48 games during a condensed lockout shortened season with a .924 sv% they rode him to exhaustion and when he dropped blamed him for the loss. Reimer dragged their sorry asses kicking and screaming into a playoffs they had no business being in and nearly stole them a series. I don't think you will find a single realistic person who believes that a rebuild wasn't a forgone conclusion by that time and most would probably say a rebuild should have been on the agenda when Burke got to Toronto. So was hoping to get Matthews part of the plan? Absolutely. It wasn't the whole plan. A rebuild was inevitable. When you are having a fire sale you might as well finish last.

[@jasontyler2185]

Yes he did!!! 😂

[@joer8854]

@@jasontyler2185 That's too simple a way to think about it. According to you teams should be bad forever or they are tanking. If a team is bad, trying to appear good doesn't do anything. Tanking is a decent competing team losing to get a future star. That does not describe the leafs at the time. They sucked. Nobody disputes that fact.

[@jasontyler2185]

? Of course. You just don’t say it. 😂

[@bradleycampbell2843]

Sounds like he trying to dust Shannahan there. Might be true, but him saying that shows how weak he is

[@Landis_Grant]

Some players not only hated Babs as a coach, but also as a human being.

[@Buddzzy]

Love how he referred to himself in the third person... and then brings up mental health! Narcissistic much? You even created a mini me in Babs Jr down in Detroit!! Blash needs to go sit beside you in the corner.

[@SammyNineFingers]

Blash isn't a Babs Jr, Babs was at least able to coach a team to the playoffs.

[@Buddzzy]

Oh yes he is! Blash even talks like him?? Babs Jr need to go also.

[@Rileylmao_]

@@SammyNineFingers I don’t think any coach could get Detriot to the playoffs with the rosters they have had the past few years

[@robjohnson5872]

@Landen Denisenko I don't know. I think everyone was very positive on Mike for the first bit. He had a great team to work with, and he knew the game. But if you really examine his record in Detroit in the playoffs, his relationship with the players, how he always gave preferential treatment to older players who just were not performing, not so sure how great he was. I was off Babs after we lost to Pits in 09 after a 3-2 lead and home game for game 7. His record speaks for itself, but I have heard no such accusations or comments on Scotty Bowman the GOAT in coaching hockey. Yelling is a part of hockey. I think Mike crossed the line.

[@bradleycampbell2843]

@Landen Denisenko very insightful. Thanks for your analysis. You contributed and are very special and brave.

[@colesteele3594]

"Terrible man, the worst person I've ever met" -Johan Franzen Which was corroborated by former teammate Chris Chelios He’s “clearing the air” to the wrong people.

[@robjohnson5872]

Mike Commodore has a real hate on for Babcock too. Another interesting take on a career destroyed.

[@menachr]

People need to get off his back, he’s 100% right that once Dumas took over his days were numbered, yeah he lasted two more years, because Dumas couldn’t just fire a guy who’s considered one of the best coaches who also still had a massive contract left. But it’s clear that they had different philosophies and that Dumas wanted keefe, Babcock must have realized that. In terms of how he treats players, please, this is professional sports, coaches are hard on players, look at tortarella or Scotty bowmen the greatest coach ever, lots of players hate lots of coaches, big deal that doesn’t make him a bully. So easy to jump on the hate bandwagon....

[@franckj.]

@@menachr If you want people ta take your opinion seriously, start by spelling "Dubas", "Bowman" and "Tortorella" correctly.

[@menachr]

@@franckj. Clearly you knew who I was talking about, so the point got across just fine. But thanks for bringing up something that's completely irrelevant.

[@allthatyoutouch3164]

@@menachr Ok bvvb.

[@brandongray570]

"He played great under Mike Babcock" Is it that hard to say "He played great for me"? This guys ego is NEXT LEVEL.

[@okyouknowwhatever]

It could be he's talking like that too to distance himself emotionally from his coaching persona. The successful scumbag coach isn't really Mike Babcock but "Mike Babcock"

[@mjnorman9824]

Plenty of bullies think it’s insane that they’re accused of bullying. Particularly in the work place.

[@benji3625]

Every bully I've encountered at work cannot fathom that they themselves are toxic and the problem, sounds like Babcock

[@skabone0065]

"Tonight, on another episode of softball questions..."

[@kz8950]

Tough to watch. Babs is one of the best speakers I have seen but instead of taking responsibility for the Franzen situation he blames it on Franzen’s mental health issues. WTF.

[@robjohnson5872]

Like he was totally unaware of the concussions he had suffered. Unforgivable.

[@oothyo9963]

4:30 Babs admits to the leafs tanking for Auston Matthews

[@oothyo9963]

@isthatyoubetha yeah but I think he said what everyone knew already

[@6ixman259]

What did you think they did 😂

[@oothyo9963]

@@6ixman259 they tanked for Matthews it was so obvious that whole 15-16 season that Toronto wanted to finish last

[@6ixman259]

@@oothyo9963 Ye they tanked hard their roster was mostly expiring contracts + Kadri and Rielly

[@oothyo9963]

@@6ixman259 yes but it was the right thing for their organization and I know that tanking is somewhat frowned on but its not like the leafs were in a great spot as a team from 2014 to 2016 so that was their best option

[@coltukkor]

There’s something severely wrong with people that refer to themselves in the third person.

[@andyp2971]

Lol 😂 He sounds like the guy on Seinfeld.

[@canadianroot]

Canadianroot agrees with you.

[@coltukkor]

I just want to point out that Mike Babcock,the man who “didn’t know what mental health was” did some post-graduate work in sports psychology.

[@stevenbaer9061]

Are you serious? Then he says 'didn't know what mental health was'? What does that statement even mean? Bizarre.

[@tromedl]

So he did on purpose?

[@extrasuperverysj]

"Will I ask another rhetorical question? Absolutely I will"

[@peters5090]

LMAOO

[@Rileylmao_]

“I knew when Lou left I was getting fired” are you sure it wasn’t the fact you haven’t gotten out of the first round in 8 years? Lou didn’t even hire Babcock lol what a dumb thing to say.

[@zainery]

To be fair it was also clear that Mike and Kyle had wildly different ideas on how to succeed. Kyle apparently wanted to get rid of Mike right away for that reason

[@menachr]

People need to get off his back, he’s 100% right that once Dumas took over his days were numbered, yeah he lasted two more years, because Dumas couldn’t just fire a guy who’s considered one of the best coaches who also still had a massive contract left. But it’s clear that they had different philosophies and that Dumas wanted keefe, Babcock must have realized that. In terms of how he treats players, please, this is professional sports, coaches are hard on players, look at tortarella or Scotty bowmen the greatest coach ever, lots of players hate lots of coaches, big deal that doesn’t make him a bully. So easy to jump on the hate bandwagon....

[@Rileylmao_]

@@menachr why did you reply the same exact thing as you did on another comment lol and no Babcock was not considered one of the best coaches he hasn’t won a playoff series in almost 10 years

[@jamesanthony5681]

He's 100% correct about a GM wanting to have their coach, their 'guy' behind the bench, and Dubas and Babcock were not a good fit for a number of reasons. This happens in business with a CEO wanting to have *their* CFO or COO.

[@Rileylmao_]

@@jamesanthony5681 ok sure but Lou didn’t even hire Babcock so its not like he was his “guy” and Babcock was fired like a year and a half after Lou’s contract was up so he got plenty of time to prove that he was a good coach with Dubas as GM and he wasn’t

[@zigfield723]

What people have to understand is, in every profession, there will be a sociopath in there somewhere. And many more of them in higher positions of power. Just listen to this guy. Off the charts narcissist personality is right infront of your eyes.

[@jamesbond4633]

When a guy talks about himself in the 3rd person it's not good. Ask Mike Commodore about Mike Babcock and his bullying. This guy lies through his teeth. I have played for coaches like this before. They have the Napoleon complex and have huge egos and abuse the power of their position. They only want players that kneel at the altar of their power and their decrees like they are some sort of Caesar. If you are your own person they cannot handle that and you will be the target of their narcissistic behaviour. I usually am good at spotting people like that. ON the other hand one of the best and warmest coaches I ever met ....one that you would give your heart and soul to play for was Badger Bob Johnson. He came and met our team when we played an exhibition game against his Wisconsin team. He was waiting for us at the Zamboni door where the bus pulled up. In 5 minutes of us players talking to him you could tell he was a genuine knowledgeable empathic person. He asked about our team ...our league and we asked him loads of questions which he responded in a very open and honest way. Our coach was no where to be found. He had such a big ego he didn't like us all standing around admiring Badger Bob. No one would ever do that for him. I am sure no one would do that for Mike Babcock either. Later on I met Danny Quinn an NHL player who played for Bob Johnson and he confirmed all the positive things I thought about Badger Bob. You don't have to be a jerk to be a good coach. I think Al Arbour was like that too.

[@vedicardi]

he still thinks he didnt REALLY do anything wrong

[@menachr]

People need to get off his back, he’s 100% right that once Dumas took over his days were numbered, yeah he lasted two more years, because Dumas couldn’t just fire a guy who’s considered one of the best coaches who also still had a massive contract left. But it’s clear that they had different philosophies and that Dumas wanted keefe, Babcock must have realized that. In terms of how he treats players, please, this is professional sports, coaches are hard on players, look at tortarella or Scotty bowmen the greatest coach ever, lots of players hate lots of coaches, big deal that doesn’t make him a bully. So easy to jump on the hate bandwagon....

[@ThePuckWatchers]

@@menachr stop defending him dude, he could of stuck around with dubas if he wanted, but he decided to do stupid things with the leafs

[@menachr]

@@ThePuckWatchers nonsense. I'm not defending him from getting fired, I'm just saying he's still a good coach and people are shitting in him too much. All coaches get fired I have no issue with that.

[@Rileylmao_]

@@menachr still a good coach based on what? He hasn’t gotten out of the first round in 8 years and he has had plenty of talent to coach

[@menachr]

@@Rileylmao_ based on the fact that he has 20 years experience, 2 cups, 2 gold medals. You don't just stop being a good coach just because you aren't having success in the playoffs. Based of that almost all coaches would be considered bad coaches. leafs we're still immature teams, still kinda are, he doesn't become a bad coach just because he couldn't get them out of the first round.

[@Mitch91PyroisB0SS]

Oh boy this is a BOLD video to post

[@patricknorton6206]

He will always be a big baby

[@ThinkingFreedom]

Pretty mature interview tbf

[@Sucker_MC]

Rehab My Image Tour, as Mike Commodore refers to it.

[@Paul-km8ko]

"We went from making sure we finished last to get Auston Matthews"......Have to give Babcock huge credit for pulling this off and will always be thankful to him for it

[@angrydalailama6089]

Pffttt that's a dig at management. He's a dink.

[@sumguy-tl2dx]

lost respect for this guy what he did to spezza and how he didn't play him during the playoff year.....

[@SombreSnakePlissken]

He proved to be as stupid as he looks 😅

[@jasontyler2185]

So they made sure they finished last to get Matthews? This is a whole new controversy. Oh my.

[@kevinfrey9063]

Now we need one of these for the Columbus incident

[@whoopdattrick9390]

He’s got a point about yzerman and shanny hiring him ...they knew who he was

[@tromedl]

He obviously lick some players boots and kick some others'.

[@cranker8989]

Under the radar with all of this, he admitted to tanking for Matthews.

[@zascorpusa]

Say whatever about Babs. At least he was right about Matthews and Marner. It was tough love to force them to become better hockey players and challenged them to do so instead of giving the stars whatever they wanted. It makes sense now

[@MrCurtisp48]

This aged not so well

[@alschmidt8963]

He sat out Modano so he couldn't get his 1500 game in with the red wings....Modano always a great player.

[@Monopolist91]

Mike Babcock is basically an HR guy now

[@pohoheli]

... everyone needs to listen to the Mike Commodore interview about babs.... The river runs deep. This comment section is not wrong.

[@menachr]

People need to get off his back, he’s 100% right that once Dumas took over his days were numbered, yeah he lasted two more years, because Dumas couldn’t just fire a guy who’s considered one of the best coaches who also still had a massive contract left. But it’s clear that they had different philosophies and that Dumas wanted keefe, Babcock must have realized that. In terms of how he treats players, please, this is professional sports, coaches are hard on players, look at tortarella or Scotty bowmen the greatest coach ever, lots of players hate lots of coaches, big deal that doesn’t make him a bully. So easy to jump on the hate bandwagon....

[@pohoheli]

@@menachr You are right, it is professional sports. What is telling though is that once he got fired not one player stood up for him. Not one. That goes beyond being a "tough coach." Plus he was handed a great team in Detroit and made a tonne of bad coaching decisions while in Toronto. Not my opinion. Just observations. But I take your point that these are grown men.

[@menachr]

@@pohoheli Tevares thanked him i know that, maybe it has to do with the fact that babcock is a mature grown man who expects the same from his players, but unfortunately most of these team is still very immature. he may not have been the right fit for a team like this, that's possible to, but people think its so easy to coach a "great team" sometimes it actually can be harder because you're dealing with so many egos. the fact is he had a lot of success in Detroit and with team Canada, he knows how to coach. may not be the best but he's no bum.

[@okyouknowwhatever]

@@menachr The biggest ego is Babcock himself. The guy talks about himself in third person unironically. Who the hell does that? The whole point with talking about oneself in third person is the subtle layer of nuance & self-distance.

[@menachr]

@@okyouknowwhatever he has a huge ego I don't disagree, he's still a really good coach.

[@Biznesscasualmusic]

Everyone is high and mighty and it always comes crashing down on them.

[@lukewoodworth2101]

He's kinda like a narcissist or something the way he treats other people and talks about himself in the 3rd person

[@menachr]

People need to get off his back, he’s 100% right that once Dumas took over his days were numbered, yeah he lasted two more years, because Dumas couldn’t just fire a guy who’s considered one of the best coaches who also still had a massive contract left. But it’s clear that they had different philosophies and that Dumas wanted keefe, Babcock must have realized that. In terms of how he treats players, please, this is professional sports, coaches are hard on players, look at tortarella or Scotty bowmen the greatest coach ever, lots of players hate lots of coaches, big deal that doesn’t make him a bully. So easy to jump on the hate bandwagon....

[@setholson4451]

Not right before the leafs game 🤦‍♀️

[@harleenkaur1408]

Why is Sportsnet milking this?

[@ColinBrain]

Man; does he come off as a jerk.

[@BaljIsBoss13]

Sportsnet is embarrassing

[@MrQuincy27]

He's back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bradleycampbell2843]

Every time he lies he looks down to the right.

[@dakotaslim]

Love to see a competent psych eval on Babs. I'll even chip in.

[@kylepooyak4511]

Sounds like he’s still in protection mode for his character and not in the owning up mode

[@humanbeing2420]

Hm - the guy refers to himself in the third person constantly. That's really all you need to know about the guy. What a tool.

[@Landis_Grant]

Babcock was leading Buffalo along thinking he would be the next head coach, but at the last moment, Shanny swooped down and snagged him.

[@TheHeston83]

Babcock Makes Torts look Good thats saying something poor Kids

[@mcfleury]

Torts is a phenomenal coach, no idea what you’re on about

[@TheHeston83]

@@mcfleury I Agree dude by what im on is that Torts was willing to Adjust to the Times Babcock wasnt eff that dude

[@christian_cantarutti]

I think Torts is much less of a snake than Babcock. Hes more like a bear - you know when hes angry. Good weed tonight.

[@TheBollocksPictures]

4:30 "Making sure we finished last" ?? You tanked? Jeez Babs...

[@judeau9151]

Mike Modano.

[@kkfaerber]

This reporter is far too concerned with her acting skills and not with asking real questions!

[@samhynninen]

You know, the overbearing Nolan music in the Torts interview was a little overkill, but some horrifying ambience in this would have been fitting.

[@carterflasch8608]

He just flat out admitted the Leafs made sure they got last place to secure matthews lmao

[@sbagayatkar]

That's an impressive sized ego

[@lazzy2012]

Get this guy some eyebrows

[@mrbone009]

Scotty Bowman was here

[@BudNucks]

Mike are you drunk?

[@whoopdattrick9390]

That sounded honest

[@joshuahiemstra1316]

He bullied that interview.. that was awkward

[@menachr]

People need to get off his back, he’s 100% right that once Dumas took over his days were numbered, yeah he lasted two more years, because Dumas couldn’t just fire a guy who’s considered one of the best coaches who also still had a massive contract left. But it’s clear that they had different philosophies and that Dumas wanted keefe, Babcock must have realized that. In terms of how he treats players, please, this is professional sports, coaches are hard on players, look at tortarella or Scotty bowmen the greatest coach ever, lots of players hate lots of coaches, big deal that doesn’t make him a bully. So easy to jump on the hate bandwagon....

[@QenaitheCustodianGuard]

@@menachr copy paste much? Are you actually babs?

[@menachr]

@@QenaitheCustodianGuard yup, you got me!

[@QenaitheCustodianGuard]

@@menachr I knew it 😎

[@TFBx]

@@menachr are you incapable of proper spelling?

[@mrchrisbarrett1]

Guy really trying to get another job in the NHL huh?

[@Mapleson]

Of course bullies are not self-aware and will excuse their actions.

[@koshka02]

Would love if Babs came back to the Leafs if we fire Keefe.

[@shperax]

With just a coaching change the leafs did much better. What's that tell you??????

[@bradyhunt179]

Howd they do much better didnt even make the playoffs

[@meanbean8928]

They finished 36-25...they started 9-10 and 0-5-1 before Babcock got fired. They quit on him...

[@alih303]

Better?

[@CanadianCane]

He makes me sick. Not 1 NHL player has or had anything good to say about him.

[@roopan1968]

Hockey version of the Whiplash movie

[@jacobwright7715]

Why even interview him ?

[@jacobwright7715]

@@KokoTheGorilla69 they already have interviewed him and the story changes everytime, pay attention

[@stevendchu]

Hold up, Lou left in summer 2018 Babs got fired November 2019 You're telling for more than one full season Babs knew he was gonna get sacked by Dubas? Well damn, maybe that explains some of his decisions. He was trying to get fired faster for a bigger severance!

[@alexjoseph8818]

Players hated playing for him. Columbus must be crazy in hiring this guy.

[@AmericaWest90]

Who's here after he got fired from the Jackets?

[@catlinferris5970]

Trumpish "great talk"

[@judeau9151]

this ain’t the NFL, bud. Ends don’t justify means in this sport

[@menachr]

People need to get off his back, he’s 100% right that once Dumas took over his days were numbered, yeah he lasted two more years, because Dumas couldn’t just fire a guy who’s considered one of the best coaches who also still had a massive contract left. But it’s clear that they had different philosophies and that Dumas wanted keefe, Babcock must have realized that. In terms of how he treats players, please, this is professional sports, coaches are hard on players, look at tortarella or Scotty bowmen the greatest coach ever, lots of players hate lots of coaches, big deal that doesn’t make him a bully. So easy to jump on the hate bandwagon....

[@judeau9151]

@@menachr I’m a lifelong Wings fan, so I’m not jumping on any bandwagons. He was the coach of my favorite team during all my years of playing. He was very successful with us and the controversy didn’t arise until after he left - and I can confidently say the fan base doesn’t want him back. And we suck REAL bad rn.

[@menachr]

@@judeau9151 so you only want your football coach to be a hard ass? not your hockey coach?

[@methais8796]

@@menachr bro you copied and pasted this way too much, you have to be mikes relative

[@la_clave]

This is a damning interview and you can tell he’s uncomfortable as hell. Him saying “I didn’t know what mental health was” is the biggest line of bullshit, he studied sports psychology for Christ sake.

[@rs180216]

well well well, what have we here. wonder if Columbus management saw this one

[@angrydalailama6089]

Anyone else here after the news of his hiring in Columbus? Thats not gonna work - although I'm happy to hear that Laine will be uncomfortable. Cant stand him.

[@brandonb9978]

Good luck in the future, Babs.

[@kkfaerber]

I paid a fortune to fly to Vegas from the U.K. to watch what turned out to be his last game in charge. He was honestly a pretty bad coach given the team he had. He talks about himself in 3rd person too. Muppet!

[@demoninepro99p]

I almost made two minutes. Can't do it. He's not taking responsibility - he says he is - but to defer back to try and mansplain his way out of everything? Nope. Sorry Mike. This is all on you. Say your 'sorry's' and move the hell on. Otherwise you're making this worse for you and everyone else involved.

[@sifodyas1576]

Hes my neighbor, always bitches about me having a fire in my backyard

[@michaelweatherup8543]

Can deny and turn it any way he'd like. Fact: He has not been re-hired in the NHL since.

[@racegod69]

Look it, yes Babcock created a bad environment and may very well have impacted players poorly. I just can’t attribute all the things people do to Mike being an arse. Mike came from an era where things were different and while I gather hindsight is always 20/20, the game appears to have passed his style.

[@brianamaral3235]

Hello people!!!! Does anyone remember jason speeza an his 1000 game that Babs did not dress him in against the team that drafted him the senators!!!! Remember!!!! Spezza for sure thought he wad gonna play his 1000 game in ACC against like i said his former that drafted him in front of his family and friends an instead spezza was a healthy scratch!!!! Mind boggling how that jerk!!!! Babcock refused to play him SMH!!!!😢😢

[@blairbailey6199]

Great nice to know that I been right all along and Teams do lose on Purpose sometimes and as for the cruse on the Leafs it's BS Probably huge pay outs to never win a frist round and lose in the same fashion each year wow I could believe it unreal how else is it explained able oh Leafs just have the wrose luck ever and can Never win a game 7 no matter who they play come on 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@Seraph89_]

This guy was such a big crack head the last 3 years of his career. Wanted him to work out but the Leafs are too fragile.

[@lahyessam9725]

He got fired again ; -D

[@commissioner1969]

Anyone here after the leafs lost in 7 to the habs

[@pozguy3532]

Made sure they finished last? Wtf?

[@BigVuVu]

take bab out of his surname

[@jony6584]

GONE!!!!

[@bradleylewis7540]

PSA - 4:30 "we made sure we came in last to get auston mathews" proceeds to compare michael jordan championships to the millennial Toronto maple leafs HAHAHA what a joke

[@conradsredz2844]

He looks pretty good right now. Maybe he was right about the work ethic thing

[@alih303]

Soft world today, people will say the most and throw dirt on his name like they know him.. Treating him like he did something criminal when no ones perfect. As for the Leafs, he was a big part of a sequence of events (along with Shanahan, Lou and obviously the Matthews lottery pick) that changed the outlook of the franchise that exists today. Put some respect on his name.

[@lazzy2012]

Referring to yourself in 3rd person is criminal...

[@rp6550]

I totally agree.

[@Rileylmao_]

he hasn’t won a playoff series in 8 years quit acting like this guy was some great coach lol

[@menachr]

People need to get off his back, he’s 100% right that once Dubas took over his days were numbered, yeah he lasted two more years, because Dumas couldn’t just fire a guy who’s considered one of the best coaches who also still had a massive contract left. But it’s clear that they had different philosophies and that Dumas wanted keefe, Babcock must have realized that. In terms of how he treats players, please, this is professional sports, coaches are hard on players, look at tortarella or Scotty bowmen the greatest coach ever, lots of players hate lots of coaches, big deal that doesn’t make him a bully. So easy to jump on the hate bandwagon....

[@Rileylmao_]

@@menachr how exactly is babcock “one of the best coaches” he hasn’t gotten out of the first round since the last lockout season which started in 2012

[@TheShadyNoodlesShow]

Props to Christine, she literally is not holding back at all. I really appreciate her asking the hard questions that we actually want to hear.

[@kassi420]

You know what... Babcock was right look at how weak the Leafs are folding over and over again in round 1

[@Matts000]

I still think he’s a world class coach!

[@rp6550]

That's because he is! All the bandwagon haters getting it twisted...

[@methais8796]

@@rp6550 if he was still a good coach he would still be coaching in the nhl instead of a university team

[@kiphood8145]

I hope he never coaches again in the nhl

[@serotoninlight7269]

Why cause tv tells u not to like him lol . Media controls the way u goof think

[@steklein]

Hes a good ole sasky boy And if you guys think he screwed you in Toronto,thats how us Westerns feel everyday,having to put up with the east.

[@SonnyBlack84]

Good luck with the Saskatchewan Huskies, Mike!

[@larrywolfe2509]

Lameless and gutless interview - typical Hockey Night in Canada/ Sportsnet garbage - ask a tough question and the Franzen one isn’t it

[@YoursTrulyH]

Regardless of what has happened, its good to see that he has grown as a man

[@mckessa17]

Wow this guy has issues, just the way he reasons out what he did.

[@TheRealTrueNorth]

Accused the leafs of tanking puposely fo r matthews....

[@brendancramphorn44]

I mean....

[@wooptyblue3700]

They did though..

[@jklaas4987]

First

[@chriss6457]

I'm not a Babcock fan but it's the same old Leafs with a new player friendly coach and still no playoff success😆what does that tell you about the core players making the big bucks with no results..this team with the over paid under achievers will never Ever win a Cup!! Mental toughness is not in their DNA