As the Toronto Maple Leafs enter the final stages of their head coaching search, a new name has entered the mix.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that Western Michigan head coach Pat Ferschweiler is among the finalists for Toronto’s head coaching role. Ferschweiler led Western Michigan to a national championship in 2025, posting a cumulative 131-6-5 record over five seasons. The 56-year-old also spent four seasons with the Detroit Red Wings (2015-2019) as an assistant coach.

“We’re on the final phases,” Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka said Tuesday, when asked about a timeline for hiring the next head coach. “It’s been a very thorough process thus far. We’re getting down to decision time, it should be in the next several days.”

Chayka addressed reporters, after the Maple Leafs traded Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit to the Philadelphia Flyers, in exchange for Emil Andrae, Samuel Ersson and a 2026 third-round pick.

Joe Pavelski, Dallas Eakins and Patrick Roy are reportedly among the other finalists. Pavelski confirmed his interest in the Maple Leafs’ vacancy, after emerging as a surprising candidate. Toronto also expressed interest in University of Denver head coach David Carle during the preliminary stages, but Carle showed little desire to leave his current position.

Ferschweiler would certainly appeal to the idea that the Maple Leafs are entering a new era, led by presumptive first overall pick Gavin McKenna, Matthew Knies and Easton Cowan, while supported by a host of emerging core pieces currently playing for the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. Although he’s never been a head coach in the NHL, Ferschweiler would be tasked with navigating two timelines, where the Maple Leafs are expected to return to playoff contention, led by Auston Matthews and William Nylander, while ushering in a newer wave of young talent.

Chayka, Mats Sundin and MLSE CEO Keith Pelley have employed an exhaustive search for the next head coach, interviewing several first-time candidates. Although there is no firm timeline in place, it’s expected that the Maple Leafs will announce their hiring ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft. Pavelski was previously considered a favourite at this stage, now Ferschweiler is now reportedly in the mix, as the hockey world awaits Toronto’s decision.