Sharks Make History Naming New General Manager

For the first time in the history of the league, an NHL team will have a black general manager. 

**Breaking News** 🚨 📰
I’m told Mike Grier will be named the new GM of the @SanJoseSharks tomorrow. He becomes the first Black Person in over 100 years of @NHL Hockey to make history in doing so.@espn #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/wbGcLlU7qX

— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) July 5, 2022

There is no better source to confirm the news than himself.

Please say hello and hear from our new #SJSharks General Manager, Mike Grier. 👋 pic.twitter.com/kIrBGAU14i

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) July 5, 2022

It's a monumental hiring by the Sharks, as Mike Grier takes the reigns. The 47-year-old played 14 seasons in the NHL, retiring in 2011. He became a scout for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2014, then was an assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils, and was the hockey operations advisor for the New York Rangers this past season.

Congratulations to Mike Grier on becoming the first black GM in the NHL’s 100 + year history. What a momentous day this is for our community. This will inspire future generations to believe anything is possible and they too can reach the highest of highs.

— Akim Aliu (@Dreamer_Aliu78) July 5, 2022

It's all in the family for the Griers, as Mike's older brother Chris Grier has been the GM of the Miami Dolphins of the NFL since 2016.

Grier will have his hands full taking on this role, as the Sharks have missed the playoffs for the last three seasons. Doug Wilson held the role in San Jose for 19 years before officially stepping down in April. 

First and foremost, Grier will be tasked with hiring a new head coach. It was only four days ago that the Sharks fired Bob Boughner, apparently setting the stage for an entirely new regime. Unfortunately, many of the top candidates are already spoken for, as eight teams have already filled head coaching positions so far this offseason.

Photo Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports