Twitter Reaction: Maple Leafs fire head coach Mike Babcock

Chris Johnston and Shawn McKenzie discuss the Maple Leafs firing Mike Babcock and how it was not the ideal situation.

Shannon Coulter November 20, 2019, 6:23 PM

After posting a 9-10-4 record 23 games into a season filled with high expectations, the Toronto Maple Leafs decided to make a change.

Following a six-game losing streak, Brendan Shanahan announced that Mike Babcock has been fired as head coach of the Leafs on Wednesday afternoon.

Leafs fans immediately took to Twitter to share their thoughts, with some celebrating the change and others giving thanks to Babcock for his influence on the team.

Mike Babcock played a vital role in the Leafs development from the basement towards playoff contention over his tenure. I am no doubt grateful for that and his contributions to the team.

Unfortunately, things were getting stale and a change was needed.

— Michael (@mic_mazz) November 20, 2019

does this mean we can no longer wear our babsocks?

— Leah (@FORBESHATESYOU) November 20, 2019

https://twitter.com/MarchHockey/status/1197283124398448642

This was a necessary move but not something to celebrate. Babs made a strong impact early on but his influence wore off. I wish he could’ve won here. I’m sure he will have success with a new team. Leafs need a fresh start. Wish Keefe had a couple days before they played again

— Leaffan (@leaffan3491) November 20, 2019

The Babcock firing is bittersweet. There was so much optimism when he came and I wish it ended with him holding a cup over his head rather than how it did. Thanks for everything, Babs.#LeafsForever

— Taylor Choma (@TaylorC_2112) November 20, 2019

Babs lost the room, and at the end of the day if you can’t get the team to perform while you’re the coach, your job is going to be up for discussion. Glad to see the change #timandsid #tmltalk

— David Clement

I am so thankful for what Babs did for this team.. he changed the culture and got the dominoes rolling.. for the first time in my fandom I felt like my team wasn’t a laughing stock.. thanks Babs! #LeafsForever

— Jack (@Jack_leafs) November 20, 2019

About time. I was hyped when Babs was hired, but he lost me last xmas. The same problems never got fixed, bad players got too many minutes. Only ever held willy accountable.
Need a coach who wants offense and pace with this roster, not 2-1 wins

— Tim Brent's biggest fan. (@5thlinecentre) November 20, 2019

Who wants my Babsocks? Slightly worn. #LeafsForever

— 4.0 (@mez5555) November 20, 2019

https://twitter.com/CryptoCalrisian/status/1197284825713008641

Pure coincidence exactly one year ago (November 20 2018) the Blues fired Mike Yeo and hired Craig Berube.

— David Amber (@DavidAmber) November 20, 2019

Many tweets focused on Sheldon Keefe, who was named the new head coach of the Leafs after coaching the Toronto Marlies for four years, and helping the team reach its first-ever Calder Cup championship in 2018.

https://twitter.com/MonsterMatt50/status/1197284999311048704

Chief Keefe Szn. https://t.co/bictqFWUTa

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) November 20, 2019

https://twitter.com/Corbo95/status/1197284100866007040

Maple Leafs that Sheldon Keefe has coached:
William Nylander
Kasperi Kapanen
Zach Hyman
Andreas Johnsson
Frederik Gauthier
Trevor Moore
Dmytro Timashov
Nic Petan
Pierre Engvall
Justin Holl
Travis Dermott
Martin Marincin
Kasimir Kaskisuo
(And he played against Jason Spezza) #Leafs

— Kevin McGran (@kevin_mcgran) November 20, 2019

Sheldon Keefe knows success. He helped turn the Soo Greyhounds into a powerhouse. Had 98 regular season wins in his last two seasons there. Then he helped the Marlies win a Calder Cup. He commands respect and players love playing for him. Him/Dubas obviously together these years.

— Mark Scheig (@markscheig) November 20, 2019

Dubas and Keefe after being reunited pic.twitter.com/nILUZfRE0l

— PUCKerUp™ Toronto (@PUCKerUpToronto) November 20, 2019

New #LeafsForever head coach Sheldon Keefe is the 22nd Calder Cup winning head coach since 1990 to become an NHL head coach.

— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) November 20, 2019