Breaking: David Carle Makes Huge Decision On His Coaching Future

David Carle has decided to forgo the NHL for now, and has signed a multi year extension to continue coaching the University of Denver.

He was one of the most sought-after head coaches on the circuit for the past few weeks, as two-time national champion David Carle was a candidate for several NHL vacancies. But the 35-year-old has made a huge decision on his coaching future, signing a multi-year extension to stay with the University of Denver.

Denver U head coach David Carle has signed an extension with the school and will forgo the NHL for the time being pic.twitter.com/aF40G9QxV1
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 5, 2025

Carle had already turned down a big offer from the Chicago Blackhawks to take over behind their bench, and was considered a leading candidate in a number of other NHL locations, including Philadelphia, Boston and Pittsburgh.

But after establishing a terrific program in Denver, with NCAA titles in 2022 and 2024, and another close call this year, he's decided to stay at UD and put off any NHL aspirations for the next few years.

Why did David Carle decide to forego the NHL at this time?

Perhaps one of the reasons he didn't make the move to the pros, as suggested recently by insider Elliotte Friedman, is "I think Carle is going to have to be convinced that there's a reasonable path to winning," if he were to accept an NHL job.

And while Chicago and Philadelphia were two of the leading destinations, "He won't win (with either of those teams) as much as he's used to. How comfortable is he with that?"

Apparently, not very much.

Over the past seven seasons, Carle has led the Pioneers to a 179-74-17 record for a career .694 winning percentage. They have advanced to four Frozen Fours under Carle, including this spring, when only a double-OT heartbreaking loss in the Semi-Final prevented them from making the championship game once again.