MAPLELEAFSDAILY | NHL | NEWS Ex-Leafs Coach Mike Babcock a Confirmed Finalist for New Coaching Job Despite HistoryPUBLICATION Dean ChaudhrySeptember 30, 2025 (1:34 PM) September 30, 2025 (1:34 PM) SHARE THIS STORY FOLLOW US FacebookPhoto credit: John E. Sokolowski - Imagn ImagesAccording to recent reports, former Maple Leafs bench boss Mike Babcock is looking into making a comeback and has a real opportunity to resume coaching. Controversial and highly criticized head coach Mike Babcock is reportedly looking to get back into coaching professional hockey, but this time overseas with Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL. Babcock last coached an NHL game during the 2019-20 season in Toronto before he was let go due to allegations of toxic behaviour in the workplace. The Leafs were also 9-10-4 at the time, but some of his practices came to light and set the league ablaze. He signed a 2-year deal in July before being let go in September in what was always deemed a controversial hire.