What I'm hearing on where things stand in Minnesota's coaching search

Minnesota is moving with purpose in its search for a new head coach.

Just days after announcing that Bob Motzko won’t return, the Gophers have already conducted multiple virtual interviews. The process has accelerated quickly, and all indications are that it has narrowed to a short list of finalists.

This newsletter (#664) lays out everything known about the search — who Minnesota has contacted, where things stand, and what comes next.

Let’s start with the headline.

It appears Minnesota has zeroed in on Brett Larson and Grant Potulny as its two finalists. Mick Hatten reported that earlier today, and sources tell College Hockey Insider they’ve heard the same.

There have been other names connected to the search, though. Before diving deeper into the finalists — and acknowledging that these searches can always expand — it’s worth noting one candidate who is no longer in the mix.

Former Minnesota assistant and current Augustana head coach Garrett Raboin has removed himself from consideration, sources told College Hockey Insider on Friday night. Augustana athletic director Josh Morton posted a photo with Raboin that same night, captioned: “Our coach. Now and for years to come — LET’S GO!”