A Tearful Mike Babcock Thanks Detroit Red Wings Fans, Organization


To say Mike Babcock was emotional during his farewell press conference on Friday is an understatement.

On Wednesday, Babcock agreed to an eight-year, $50-million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, bringing his time with the Detroit Red Wings to an end.

Mike Babcock spent the previous 10 years as the head coach of the Red Wings organization, and during that time, the team qualified for the playoffs 10 times. In 2008, Babcock coached the team to a win in the Stanley Cup Finals.

During Babcock’s farewell press conference Friday, he told reporters that, during the previous few weeks, he struggled to make a decision about leaving the Detroit organization. Between tears, Babcock said he “loved it here” and he “went back and forth 100 times.” He added,

“It’s been real special to say the least. The Ilitches afforded me an opportunity for my family to grow up here, my kids to finish high school here, and as you can see I’m emotionally involved with the franchise and city and with the people.… It gives me great pride for what we were able to accomplish in my 10 years here.”

In addition to thanking the fans during his press conference, Mike Babcock also took out a full-page advertisement in the Detroit Free Press.

In the end, Babcock said the decision came down to moving forward with his career. During a press conference in Toronto on Thursday, Babcock told reporters that he was scared but also excited, and that he felt 25 again.

Did he make the right decision? Even Mike Babcock said he doesn’t know for certain, but he’s looking forward to the challenges ahead.

“Only time will tell, but I believe you put your foot on the gas and you go get it. That’s what we’re going to do.… My decision was about a new opportunity and a new challenge.”

He will surely find that challenge in a new organization. Mike Babcock will leave the Red Wings and head to a Maple Leafs organization that has qualified for the postseason once in the past ten years.

[Photo by Harry How/Getty Images]

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