As A Coyote, Gretzky Was Ugly

Greatness is non-transferrable. Brilliant businessmen can not succeed as owners. Conversant owners can not succeed as executives. Exceptional executives can not succeed as coaches. Accomplished coaches can not succeed as executives. Superb players can not succeed as coaches and executives.

On Wednesday, Phoenix Coyotes Coach Wayne Gretzky resigned. Former Dallas Stars Coach Dave Tippett supplanted him. “This was a difficult decision that I've thought long and hard about,” said Gretzky. “We all hoped there would be a resolution earlier this month to the Coyotes ownership situation, but the decision is taking longer than expected. Since both remaining bidders have made it clear that I don't fit into their future plans, I approached general manager Don Maloney and suggested he begin looking for someone to replace me as coach. Don has worked hard and explored many options. I think he has made an excellent choice, and so now it's time for me to step aside.”

Phoenix’s financial and ownership chaos have owned this offseason. “It's been impossible to sell tickets because nobody knows if it's going to be here,” said Owner Jerry Moyes. “So I think this will be the opening of the floodgates, and if the fans are convinced that the team needs to be here, and sponsors, this will be an opportunity for them to prove that the team should be here. That's what I've said all along -- my first choice has always been to leave the team here and find support to leave it here.”

As an athlete, Gretzky amassed 894 goals, 1,963 assists, and 2,857 points. As a coach, he amassed a 143-161-24 record. “As always, Wayne placed the welfare of the team ahead of his own in making this extremely difficult decision,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “While the Coyotes have not had the degree of on-ice success that always has been Wayne's objective, there can be no question he has played a vital role in the youth movement that has positioned the Coyotes for success in the future.”

During his career, Tippett has logged a 271-156-28-37 ledger. “There's a lot of off-ice situations that we can't control, so what we're going to do is concentrate on what we have to do on the ice to earn the right to be a playoff team,” he said. “I really like some of their young players, I think there's a great upside to this group and the chance to come and build something was very exciting to me.”

Gretzky’s resignation is the sad end of a sorry episode. He should have never obtained ownership. He should have never commenced coaching. Gretzky and Phoenix were an inopportune pairing. They are a professional embarrassment. Gretzky’s tenure parallels his retirement. Bizarre and inexplicable.