tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Fire Ron Wilson!!!

I was not going to post today as I am heading out of town but last night's disgusting performance by the Toronto Maple Leafs has inspired me to post this morning. Many have called for the firing of Ron Wilson. I have refrained from jumping onto that bandwagon but I believe that the time has come: Fire Ron Wilson.

A 1-8-1 slide has gone from bad to worse and it appears to me that this team has quit on its coach. Yes, goaltending is a problem. But poor defensive play, a lack of desire to go to the net and work the boards, a power play that is now 1-19 and the inability to change a style of play that has not been successful is a function of the coach. Before the start of the season Tim Hunter and Keith Acton were replaced and this was going to solve everything. That has not been the case. Now is the time to change the head coach.

As late as early this week, I didn't believe that a coaching change was the answer but if in fact the Leafs are going to be a seller then changing the coach needs to happen to get ready for next season. My call for firing Ron Wilson has little to do with trying to make the playoffs this year but more to do with changing the philosophy of play and getting ready for next season. One thing is clear to me: Ron Wilson's act is getting old and it appears that this young team needs a new voice to listen to.

There are plenty of candidates. Within the organization the obvious choice is Dallas Eakins. Eakins has done a great job with the Toronto Marlies. He is a teacher and does stress the importance of playing a defensive style of hockey. He would deserve a promotion. He would be my number one choice. The other name mentioned as a likely replacement for Wilson is Randy Carlyle. Carlyle has a relationship with Leafs GM Brian Burke as he coached Burke's Anaheim Ducks. Carlyle is a no-nonsense guy who also stresses the need to be defensively responsible.

The contract extension that Ron Wilson received at Christmas should not be an impediment for his dismissal. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment has plenty of money to eat the additional year that Wilson was given. While were at it, Francois Allaire should also be shown the door. It is apparent that Allaire's coaching philosophy does not mesh with the talents of Jonas Gustavsson and has not helped James Reimer in his second year of play.

If this team is going to get better then they need to get a new head coach. The time is now: Fire Ron Wilson.