In one of the most bizarre and jaw-dropping developments in modern sports history, Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has officially announced his departure from the NHL, accepting a once-in-a-lifetime offer to become the head coach of a brand-new NFL expansion franchise — the Salt Lake City Stallions.
Yes, you read that right: an NHL head coach is heading to the NFL.
Berube made the announcement just minutes ago in a hastily organized press conference at Scotiabank Arena, where reporters and fans alike were left in stunned disbelief.
“This isn’t just a career move — it’s a challenge, a calling, and an opportunity to lead in a new arena,” Berube said. “Football, hockey — it’s all about discipline, culture, and competing. I’m ready.”
The NFL’s Most Shocking Hire Yet
The Salt Lake City Stallions, one of two NFL expansion teams set to launch in 2026, had been keeping their head coaching search under tight wraps — until now.
According to insiders, Stallions GM Marcus Whitlock was looking for a “gritty, culture-first leader” with championship pedigree. After interviewing several top NFL coordinators, Whitlock reportedly zeroed in on Berube after watching his postgame locker room speeches with the Blues and Leafs go viral on social media.
“Craig Berube is a natural-born leader,” Whitlock said in a statement. “His ability to command a room, motivate athletes, and build a winning culture transcends sport.”
Maple Leafs Front Office “Stunned”
Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving reportedly had no prior knowledge that Berube was considering an offer outside of hockey, calling the move “a total shock to the organization.”
Berube had just wrapped up his first season with Toronto, leading the Leafs into the playoffs and helping revive a locker room that had long struggled with consistency. His no-nonsense approach had made him a fast fan favorite — and now, he’s headed to the gridiron.
“We respect Craig’s decision, as strange and unexpected as it is,” said Treliving. “We’ll begin the search for a new coach immediately.”
The NHL… to the NFL?
Berube, who won a Stanley Cup in 2019 with the St. Louis Blues, becomes the first NHL head coach in history to make the leap to an NFL head coaching role. While he has no formal football coaching experience, sources say he’s already assembling an elite staff of coordinators and analysts to handle the Xs and Os — while he focuses on motivation, culture, and in-game leadership.
What’s Next?
The Stallions are expected to make their NFL debut in the 2026 season, and with Berube now at the helm, all eyes will be on Salt Lake City to see how this experiment plays out. One thing’s for sure: the NFL has never seen anything like this.