SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – The San Jose Sharks have made a historic choice for their next top executive.
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Mike Grier was named the fifth general manager in team history on Tuesday, making him the first Black general manager in the history of the NHL.
The 47-year-old replaces longtime general manager Doug Wilson, who stepped down from the position in April to focus on his health.
Grier played in the NHL for four different teams, including the Sharks, across 14 seasons before retiring in 2011. After beginning his front office career as a scout with the Chicago Blackhawks from 2014 to 2018, he spent two seasons as an assistant coach for the New Jersey Devils. He most recently served as a hockey operations advisor for the New York Rangers prior to his appointment on Tuesday.
"I am extremely proud and grateful to be given the opportunity to be the general manager of the San Jose Sharks," Grier said in a release. "Along with my staff, I look forward to the challenge of building a fast, competitive, and hardworking team that Sharks fans will enjoy watching and be proud of. One of the things I remember most about playing in San Jose is the home ice advantage that our fans bring through their passion and energy, making SAP Center one of the most difficult buildings to play in."
The Sharks finished last season 32-37-13, missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year. Prior to the recent stretch, the team had qualified for the postseason 14 of the past 15 seasons. The Sharks fired Head Coach Bob Boughner last week and have not hired a replacement.
“We’ll have a thorough search, I don’t really have a timetable on it,” Grier said at his introductory press conference on Tuesday in regards to hiring a new head coach. “We have to get into the draft and free agency, those things are taking priority, so we can try to get the players we like and start building our prospect pool back up. So I don’t have a timetable on the coach… we have the list, but we’ll start reaching out trying to make contact with the people we’d like to speak with.”
Grier is the younger brother of Chris Grier, who has served as the general manager of the Miami Dolphins since 2016. Their father, Bobby, is also a longtime scout, coach, and executive in the NFL and currently serves as an advisor for the Dolphins.
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