John Tortorella’s time as head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers has ended through an official announcement. Brad Shaw now steps forward as the Flyers announced him as their new interim head coach who begins immediately under General Manager Daniel Briere.
The general manager Daniel Briere made the difficult decision to part ways with John as our head coach. John Tortorella served as the driving force behind our rebuilding efforts. The new coaching direction under John Tortorella introduced both a fresh playing approach and the traditional Flyers personality to the team. His passion for coaching on the bench equaled the kindness he showed to the community. The team will now gain the necessary momentum from this change according to my belief. John Tortorella dedicated his entire being to the Flyers organization.
The Flyers organization expressed their appreciation to John Tortorella through the statements of Governor Dan Hilferty and President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones. The entire Flyers organization expresses gratitude to John for his three years of dedication. Danny continues his efforts to advance this team through the changes he has implemented. The organization deeply appreciates the contributions John Tortorella brought to our team before his departure. The organization extends its best wishes to John and his family and wife Christine as they transition into their next chapter.
The Flyers hired Shaw as their assistant coach in July 2022 when he reached the age of 58. He worked as an assistant coach with the Vancouver Canucks throughout the entire 2021-22 season. Shaw worked with the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2016-17 through 2020-21 where the team achieved 193-133-46 regular-season wins and made the playoffs during four of those five years.
Shaw, 60 years old (4/28/64), has worked as a coach in his third season with the Flyers after joining their staff in July 2022. The 2021-22 season provided Shaw with an opportunity to develop his skills while working as an assistant coach for the Vancouver Canucks. Shaw worked as an assistant coach for the St. Louis Blues throughout ten seasons from 2006-07 until 2011-12 before becoming their associate coach from 2012-13 until 2015-16. His career began at the New York Islanders in 2005-06 when he served as an assistant coach then finished the season as the team’s head coach with 18-18-4 results.
The coaching experience of Shaw includes AHL head coaching positions with the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks from 2002-03 through 2004-05 and AHL assistant coaching with the Springfield Falcons from 2001-02 along with his IHL head coaching role at the Detroit Vipers from 2000-01. Shaw transitioned from his hockey-playing career as a defenseman to become an NHL player for the Hartford Whalers (1985-92), Ottawa Senators (1992-1995), Washington Capitals, and St. Louis Blues (1998-99).