Glen Gulutzan hired for second stint as Stars’ head coach

Glen Gulutzan is getting a second chance behind the bench of the Dallas Stars.
The Stars on Tuesday hired Gulutzan as the team’s head coach.
Gulutzan, 53, replaces Pete DeBoer, who was fired by the team on June 6 shortly after Dallas lost in the Western Conference finals for the third straight season.
The Stars previously handed Gulutzan his first NHL head coaching opportunity. He went 64-57-9 in two seasons in Dallas before he was fired on May 14, 2013.
“We are thrilled to name Glen as the head coach of the Dallas Stars,” team general manager Jim Nill said. “Since his previous time in Dallas, Glen has worked tirelessly to establish himself as one of the most respected coaches in the NHL. His extensive NHL experience, both as a head coach and assistant coach, speaks to his ability to innovate and adapt to the modern game, as well as build relationships with his players.
“Glen has worked with some of the best players in the world and continually found ways to maximize their skill sets to contribute to team success. We have full confidence that he is the right person to elevate our team to the next level.”
Gulutzan spent two seasons as the head coach of the Calgary Flames from 2016-18 and posted an 82-68-14 mark. After being dismissed following his second season, he shuffled over to the other Alberta team, the Edmonton Oilers, where he has worked as an assistant coach since, helping the club to consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances over the past two seasons.
“My family and I are excited to come back to Texas where I started my NHL coaching journey more than a decade ago,” Gulutzan said. “Jim and his staff have built a roster that is one of the most talented and deepest in the entire league.
“The right pieces are in place to compete for the Stanley Cup on a yearly basis. I’m ready to get to Dallas and start the preparation for next season.”
Per the Stars, Alain Nasreddine (assistant coach), Jeff Reese (goaltending coach), Patrick Dolan (head video coach) and Chris Demczuk (assistant video coach) will return to the team.
Under DeBoer, 57, the Stars fell to the Vegas Golden Knights in six games in Western Conference finals in 2023 and the Oilers in six and five games in 2024 and 2025, respectively.