Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jeff Blashill

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 22, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jeff Blashill made an impact.

Jeff Blashill is an American professional ice hockey coach, presently an assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL. He previously held the head coach position for the Detroit Red Wings, also in the NHL.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1991: Joins Des Moines Buccaneers

In 1991, Jeff Blashill played at the junior level for the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League (USHL).

1994: Joins Ferris State University and Earns Rookie of the Year Honors

In 1994, Jeff Blashill joined Ferris State University's Bulldogs as a goaltender and earned team Rookie of the Year honors.

1998: End of College Ice Hockey Career

In 1998, Jeff Blashill completed his college ice hockey career as a goaltender at Ferris State University for the Bulldogs.

1999: Joins Ferris State as Assistant Coach

In 1999, after his playing career ended, Jeff Blashill joined Ferris State's Bulldogs team as an assistant coach.

2002: Joins Miami University as Assistant Coach

In 2002, Jeff Blashill joined Miami University as an assistant coach for the RedHawks.

2006: Member of Team USA Coaching Staff

In 2006, Jeff Blashill was a member of Team USA's coaching staff at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.

2008: Named Head Coach and GM of Indiana Ice

In 2008, Jeff Blashill was named head coach and general manager of the Indiana Ice, a Tier 1 junior hockey team in the USHL.

2009: Member of Team USA Coaching Staff

In 2009, Jeff Blashill was a member of Team USA's coaching staff at the World Junior A Challenge and the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

April 6, 2010: Named Head Coach of Western Michigan University

On April 6, 2010, Jeff Blashill was named head coach of Western Michigan University's Broncos team.

July 2011: Accepts Assistant Coaching Position with Detroit Red Wings

In July 2011, Jeff Blashill accepted an assistant coaching position with the NHL's Detroit Red Wings under head coach Mike Babcock.

June 25, 2012: Named Head Coach of Grand Rapids Griffins

On June 25, 2012, Jeff Blashill was announced as the new head coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins, the top minor league affiliate of the Red Wings in the AHL.

June 4, 2014: Agrees to New Contract with Red Wings Organization

On June 4, 2014, it was announced that Jeff Blashill had agreed to a new three-year contract with the Red Wings organization.

April 1, 2015: First Coach in Griffins History to Post Three 40-Win Seasons

On April 1, 2015, Jeff Blashill became the first coach in Grand Rapids Griffins franchise history to post three 40-win seasons and three 90-point seasons.