Bob Francis (coach)

Robert "Bob" Francis (born December 5, 1958 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada) was an ice hockey centre and the head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes from June 1999 to February 2004. He became the first Coyotes coach to win the Jack Adams Award in 2002. He was also a former player for the Detroit Red Wings.

Playing career
Francis played for the University of New Hampshire from 1976-80. He turned pro in 1980 but spent most of hism time in the minor leagues. Francis did play 14 games for the Detroit Red Wings in 1982-83, and scored 2 goals and no assists. He retired from playing in 1987.

On April 26, 2006 Francis signed a two year-contract to coach HIFK in the Finnish SM-liiga. On December 19, 2006 Francis's contract was terminated.

Minor League Coaching
Before joining the NHL, Francis coached Salt Lake (IHL), Saint John (AHL), and Providence (AHL)

Team      Season   W  L  OTL/T Salt Lake 1989-90  37 36  9 Salt Lake 1990-91  50 28  5 Salt Lake 1991-92  33 40  9 Salt Lake 1992-93  38 39  5 Saint John 1993-94 37 33 10 Saint John 1994-95 27 40 13 Providence 1995-96 30 36 14 Providence 1996-97 35 40  5

NHL Coaching Career
The Coyotes had chosen to hire Bob Francis, who over the past 2 years, had been the assistant coach for the Boston Bruins. His only NHL experience was with the Coyotes. Francis was fired in 2004 after a slow start, and was replaced by assistant coach Rick Bowness.

Personal
Although he was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, he spent much of his youth growing up in Long Beach, New York, where his dad Emile Francis, was coaching the New York Rangers. Bob Francis holds both Canadian and American citizenship.