Dean Evason Has Interim Label Removed; Becomes 5th Minnesota Wild Head Coach

By Eric Strack |

Updated: Jul 13, 2020

The Minnesota Wild has removed the interim tag from Head Coach Dean Evason, who becomes the 5th shotcaller in the organization’s 20-year history. This is a rather unexpected move for Bill Guerin and the front office, given the expanded playoff they are about to embark on. Such a return could have given them a great look at Evason, before pulling the trigger.

Apparently, they didn’t need to see anything more from the 1st-time NHL head coach.

i̵n̵t̵e̵r̵i̵m̵ Head Coach Dean Evason.

NEWS: The #mnwild has named Dean Evason its full-time Head Coach.

? » https://t.co/qSj8ZCNwEJ pic.twitter.com/G6EEnHOHEI
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) July 13, 2020

“I am very excited to announce that Dean Evason is our full-time head coach,” Guerin said in the team’s announcement. “Dean has done a fantastic job as our interim head coach and deserves the opportunity. I look forward to watching our team under his leadership going forward.”
Billy Guerin – Wild GM (via: The Athletic)

Dean Evason’s contract is reportedly for 2 years, according to Michael Russo (The Athletic). Guerin has loved what Dean has done, since taking over, especially “the detail, communication skills and fire” he brings.

Let’s drop the puck already

The NHL comes back on August 1 and the Wild will play their first game late on August 2. If Billy was sure about Evason, then this move makes a lot of sense. The world is full of unknowns right now and that includes the NHL, its teams and their players. Why not add some stability to the situation, if you’re the Wild and you know Dean Evason is your guy?

The Wild were really good after Evason took over. I love what Billy has done, too. From the outside looking in, this seems like a homerun. In Billy we trust.

Here is some reaction from around the Twitter world:

Good, happy to see Dean get the chance to be the full time coach. Also happy that they chose to not just go back and hire one of the same old coaches who has been around for a long time #mnwild https://t.co/MbJSyuKHxJ
— Zeke Boyat (@ZBwildnation_HW) July 13, 2020