Barry Trotz has told the Winnipeg Jets he’s not ready to be a head coach again, meaning the team’s search for a bench boss will continue, Sportsnet can confirm.
The Manitoba native was considered a top candidate for the job, which is open after Dave Lowry finished the year as interim head coach following the resignation of Paul Maurice.
Trotz has been a strong candidate for several openings since he was fired by the New York Islanders following the season.
Sportsnet reported last month that Trotz met with at least four teams — the Jets, Detroit Red Wings, Vegas Golden Knights and Philadelphia Flyers.
The Golden Knights hired former Boston Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy while the Flyers hired veteran bench boss John Tortorella.
The Red Wings still have not made a hire.
Trotz has coached 1,812 career regular-seson games in the NHL with the Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals and Islanders.
The 59-year-old Trotz won the Stanley Cup with Washington in 2018.
Four coaching jobs remain open — Winnipeg, Detroit, Boston and Chicago, though the Blackhawks are in negotiations with Montreal Canadiens assistant Luke Richardson.
