The Boston Bruins’ search for their next head coach is in full swing. They’ve already reportedly interviewed two prime candidates for the opening left by the fired Bruce Cassidy.

According to

The Bruins interviewed Jay Leach on Wednesday and David Quinn Thursday for the vacant coaching job.

— Joe McDonald (@JoeyMacHockey) June 24, 2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Joe McDonald, the B’s interviewed two prominent names in the running: David Quinn and Jay Leach. The latter, who reportedly interviewed last Wednesday, previously served as the head coach of the Providence Bruins from 2016-21.

Quinn, meanwhile, is one of the few rumored candidates who have not coached for the Bruins before. He was, however, the head coach at Boston University from 2014-18. During his time with the Terriers, he coached current Bruins defensemen Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk.

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There are already reports that Quinn is emerging as the early favorite for the Bruins’ head coach position. Per McDonald, he first interviewed with the team last Thursday. According to Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald, he was scheduled to meet with Bruins ownership on Saturday, ostensibly a second interview. “Not sure if any other candidates advanced that far,” Conroy added on

Hearing David Quinn was scheduled to meet with Bruins ownership yesterday. Not sure if any other candidates advanced that far

— steve conroy (@conroyherald) June 26, 2022" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Twitter.

The Bruins would be Quinn’s second stint as an NHL head coach. He previously coached the New York Rangers for three seasons and posted a 96-87-25 record in 208 games.

New York ultimately fired Quinn after the 2020-21 regular season, when the Rangers missed the playoffs for the second time in three years. This past December, he was hired to coach the U.S. men’s hockey team ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics, and still holds the position currently.

The Sports Hub’s own Ty Anderson, who co-hosts the Sports Hub Underground podcast with me, spoke about the possibility of the Bruins hiring Quinn to be their next head coach and was not keen on the idea. You can hear the full podcast above, with the Quinn stuff beginning around the 45:40 mark.

Other names to know as the Bruins’ head coaching search include Jim Montgomery, Spencer Carbery, Nate Leaman, and current Bruins assistant Joe Sacco. But it certainly sounds like Quinn remains the leader in the clubhouse.

You can be sure that we’ll keep covering this story closely here at 985TheSportsHub.com, including every week on the Sports Hub Underground.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.