GRAND RAPIDS - There was a feeling of optimism and hope for a better future Thursday morning in West Michigan, as Dan Watson, the new head coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins, was officially introduced.
The announcement of the Detroit Red Wings’ new hire came Wednesday morning, just a few weeks removed from when Watson’s former team, ECHL affiliate Toledo Walleye, was eliminated in the Western Conference Finals.
Watson was an early favorite for the job, but nevertheless, it meant something to be named the bench boss in GR.
“It was emotional, to be honest,” Watson said during his media availability. “I knew there were many good candidates involved. It is an honor, it’s an Original Six franchise. [I’ve] been a small part of everything going on for the last 13 seasons, but to get that call from Shawn [Horcoff] asking if I wanted to be the next coach...it was shivers down my spine, just really excited for the opportunity.”
Griffins’ general manager, and Red Wings assistant GM, Shawn Horcoff said they went through an extensive search to fill the position, which had quite a bit of interest, but Watson certainly stood out.
“We wanted to make sure we took our time,” Horcoff stated. “ We knew that [Watson] was a fantastic name and that he was going to be involved in that process.”
Horcoff took over as the Griffins' GM in February 2022 (Photo Credit: Nicolas Carrillo)
Having spent 13 seasons behind the bench in Toledo, six of them as the main man, Watson has had plenty of experience working with players that eventually got the call to Grand Rapids, and even a few that made their way up to the big club, something Horcoff feels like will be a big advantage.
“I got to know Watty (Watson) really well,” mentioned Horcoff. “Got to know his demeanor, got to know the players he’s working with. Everyone’s come back with overwhelming support for the man, and we hope he can continue that up here.”
- Buy Griffins tickets: Ticketmaster, StubHub, SeatGeek
During his introductory speech, Watson was sure to thank the Walleye organization, including team president and CEO Joe Napoli, for their support during his time in Toledo, as well as his decision to move up the coaching ranks.
In his time in Toledo, 19 players made their way from the Walleye up to the Red Wings, including the likes of former Griffins Martin Frk, Luke Glendening, Petr Mrazek and Nick Jensen. A healthy number of players on last year’s Griffins roster spent time with Toledo, something that will be helpful in the former Toledo Storm defenseman’s transition.
Watson played 410 career games in professional hockey before turning to coaching (Photo Credit: Nicolas Carrillo)
“It kind of bridges that gap,” Watson told me during a chat. “Players can be spokesmen as well for the rest of the players that I haven’t met. I’m excited that I already have some familiarity within the organization, and look forward to the continued development of those guys.”
Forward Drew Worrad, who was up-and-down between the AHL and ECHL last season, was a big part of the Walleye’s playoff push, and he spoke highly of the new guy in town.
“He’s an outstanding person,” the former Western Michigan Bronco said after the press conference. “He really cares about his players. When I went down there, he made me feel right at home. Showered me with positivity and confidence, which is what I needed at the time. Really excited to see what he’s going to bring here.”
Worrad totaled four points in 47 games with the Griffins during the 2022-23 season, picking up 23 points in 38 games with the Walleye (Photo Credit: Nicolas Carrillo/Grand Rapids Griffins)
Along with getting the chance to work with familiar faces, Watson is enthusiastic to have the opportunity to help the top prospects within the Red Wings organizations evolve into top-tier talents.
“Geesh, you look at all the guys coming up,” Watson alluded. “The Carter Mazurs, the [Marco] Kaspers, [William] Wallinder, [Simon] Edvinsson, if they’re in Grand Rapids, I’ll be really excited to work with them.”
- Related: Griffins end the season with a trio of losses, finishing with fewest wins in franchise history
One guy that can vouch for the new coach in Grand Rapids is the current head coach in Detroit. Derek Lalonde has spoken highly of Watson in the past, especially since Watson was an assistant and associate under Lalonde over two seasons in Toledo. That relationship will be key to further helping players are ready for the NHL.
“We’ve had great communication, even when we weren’t coaching together. Having that cohesiveness already will help expedite the process in terms of what he’s looking for, what Detroit’s looking for in players. Now we can bring that to Grand Rapids, to make sure when these guys are called up, they’re ready for that next step.”
With the fact that the Griffins have missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, Watson wants to help turn the ship in the right direction. However, that is not the only way he measures overall success when a season is said and done.
“It’s about the players first, making sure they’re taken care of, making sure they get what they need to get better. Making sure as a coaching staff, we’re getting better as well. If you do that the right way, winning comes.”
New Grand Rapids Griffins head coach, Dan Watson (far left) stands with his family during his introductory press conference on June 15, 2023 (Photo Credit: Nicolas Carrillo)
Everything will be new for the former OHL All-Star, as Watson has been in Toledo since his final season as a player in 2006, something he confirmed will be a big adjustment.
“It’s exciting, I’m looking forward to it. Can’t wait to get my hands on things inside that coaching office, get it the way I think it should be done.”
Watson is married with three kids, but says they will stay in Toledo next season as they continue through school.
There are still a few holes to fill on the bench in West Michigan, as the team is still scouting for assistant coaching candidates. Horcoff assured that they are in the middle of that process right now, and that the new coach will be part of the selection process.
“[Watson] is the one that has to work with these guys every day. The best thing we can do is help him through his processing and try to get him the best names possible, but there’s still lots of work to be done.”
- Buy Griffins tickets: Ticketmaster, StubHub, SeatGeek
The Griffins’ home opener is set for Friday, Oct. 13. The remainder of the 2023-24 schedule is yet to be released.