Barry Trotz
Barry Trotz is the only head coach in Nashville Predators' history, having begun with the team in its inaugural season of 1998-99.
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In his 12 seasons and 13 years as the Predators’ bench boss, Trotz has put himself among some legendary names, ranking sixth all-time in both games coached (902) and wins (411) with a single franchise. Additionally, he is only the second coach in NHL history to spend each of the first 10 seasons as a team’s head coach joining the New York Rangers Lester Patrick (13 seasons, 1926-39). Trotz, the second-longest tenured coach in the NHL behind only Buffalo’s Lindy Ruff, finished second in voting for the Jack Adam’s Award as "the NHL coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success" (as voted on by the NHL Broadcasters' Association) in his first time as an award finalist in 2009-10 after leading his squad to a 47-29-6 record for 100 points, the third-best finish in franchise history and good for Nashville’s fifth playoff berth in the last six seasons, something accomplished by only seven other franchises. The club played its best hockey down the stretch, posting the NHL's fourth-best record after the Olympic break (14-6-1). On April 3, 2010 – the day Nashville clinched a spot in the postseason – Trotz coached his 900th NHL game joining Al Arbour (N.Y. Islanders), Billy Reay (Chicago), Lindy Ruff (Buffalo), Jack Adams (Detroit) and Toe Blake (Montreal) as the only coaches to reach the milestone with one team. He also continued his ascension up the wins with a single franchise list during 2009-10. In the season finale vs. St. Louis, he won his 411th career contest, moving past coaching legend Scotty Bowman’s tenure with Detroit and into sixth all-time behind only Arbour (739), Ruff (483), Glen Sather (464, Edmonton), Dick Irvin (431, Montreal) and Bowman’s 419 wins with Montreal. Trotz’s mission has evolved from fielding a competitive and hardworking expansion club to directing a young, hungry, hard-working group that is perennially a playoff contender. Since the Predators advanced to the postseason for the first time six campaigns goal, they have averaged more than 97 points per season during that span (91 in 2003-04, 106 in 2005-06, 110 in 2006-07, 91 in 2007-08, 88 in 2008-09 and 100 in 2009-10). He has also led the Predators to the fifth-most wins (228) and third-most home victories (131) since the start of the 2005-06 season.
Prior to joining the Predators, Trotz spent five seasons (1992-97) as the head coach of the Washington Capitals' primary developmental affiliate in the AHL. He was named head coach of the Baltimore Skipjacks in 1992 after one season as an assistant coach. Following the franchises relocation to Portland, Maine in 1993, he led the Portland Pirates to two Calder Cup Finals appearances over the next four seasons. In 1994-95, Trotz coached Portland to a Calder Cup Championship and a league-best 43-27-10 record and captured AHL Coach of the Year honors. In 2006, he was honored with election to the Pirates’ Hall of Fame. Trotz began his coaching career in 1984 as an assistant with the University of Manitoba. He then served two seasons (1985-87) as the head coach and general manager of the Dauphin Kings junior hockey club before returning to the University of Manitoba as the head coach in 1987. In January 2001, Trotz was inducted into the University's Hall of Fame. During the 1987 campaign, Trotz also served as a scout for the Spokane Chiefs (WHL) and a part-time scout for the Capitals. In 1988, he joined Washington as a full-time western scout, and the next season he became the Caps' chief western scout. Before coaching, Trotz played junior hockey for Regina (WHL) from 1979-83, capturing a WHL championship in 1979-80. The defenseman registered 102 points (19g-83a) and 490 penalty minutes in 204 games. The popular head coach and his family are active in a variety of service and charitable initiatives in the Middle Tennessee community. This commitment was recognized when Trotz was honored with the Community Spirit Award (in recognition for community service) at the 2005 O’Charley’s Dinner of Champions, presented by the Nashville Sports Council. For the past several seasons, the Trotz’s have donated $500 to My Friend’s House (a United Way agency) for each Nashville victory. He is an active board member for the Williamson County YMCA and the United Way, and in 2004-05, Trotz coached Nashville high school student-athletes. He also works closely with Best Buddies of Tennessee, a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Barry and his wife, Kim, reside in Brentwood along with their four children: Shalan, Tyson, Tiana and Nolan.