Bruins interim head coach Joe Sacco and assistant coach Jay Leach are in the mix for Boston’s head coaching vacancy, general manager Don Sweeney confirmed that earlier this week. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, German ice hockey coach Marco Sturm is “under serious consideration” for the position. Earlier Friday (May 09), Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli noted that Canadian bench boss Rick Tocchet is also believed to be on Boston’s radar, echoing a report from Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy. Tocchet is the more high-profile option, boasting considerable National Hockey League (NHL) experience. The 61-year-old recently stepped down as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks after three seasons, including a playoff run to the second round in 2024. However, the Canucks stumbled this season, finishing outside the playoff picture with a 38-30-14 record. Tocchet's resume includes prior head coaching stints in Arizona (2017–21) and Tampa Bay (2008–10), with a playoff appearance during the COVID shortened 2019–20 season. He also earned back-to-back Stanley Cup rings as an assistant in Pittsburgh (2016, 2017). Tocchet, who played 18 years in the NHL—including a short stint in Boston has ties to both Sweeney and Bruins president Cam Neely. Potential Candidates for Bruins Head Coaching Job Marco SturmRick TocchetMisha DonskovMike SullivanPeter LavioletteGerard GallantBruce BoudreauJohn TortorellaClaude JulienJay Woodcroft However, landing Tocchet won’t come cheap. Seravalli reports that multiple teams including the Penguins, Flyers, and Krakenvare also interested, and that Tocchet could command a deal worth $6 million or more annually over five years, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in league history. Sturm, by contrast, represents a more cost-effective and forward-thinking option. The 46-year-old currently coaches the Ontario Reign, the AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, where he's compiled a 119-80-17 record over three seasons. His coaching rise began with the German national team, which he led to a surprise silver medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics—without the benefit of NHL players. Sturm also served as an assistant with the Kings from 2018–22. A former NHL forward who played 15 seasons including five with the Bruins—Sturm offers familiarity with the organization and international success that might appeal to Sweeney’s vision for the team’s future. That said, Sweeney also mentioned he’s considering coaches still active in the playoffs, so this list may grow. One speculative name is Dallas Stars assistant Misha Donskov, who previously worked with Sweeney on Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off and was part of Vegas’s Cup-winning staff in 2023. The Bruins’ coaching search is picking up steam and with high-profile names and rising stars both in the mix, the next few weeks could define the franchise’s next chapter. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US Buzz, World and around the world.