Bill Muckalt leaves Tri-City Storm for “higher opportunities” – is he coming back to Michigan (Tech)?

By @MichaelCaples –

The Tri-City Storm just announced that head coach Bill Muckalt has left the team for “higher opportunities.”

It’s not a big leap to assume that means he’s coming back to the state of Michigan, either to work for Mel Pearson at the University of Michigan or taking over at Michigan Tech in Pearson’s vacancy.

A University of Michigan alum, Muckalt worked as an assistant coach for Pearson at Tech for four seasons before leaving to become the head coach of the Tri-City Storm.

Pearson has yet to finalize his staff at Michigan after taking over for Red Berenson; the team has not announced a full staff listing, while the Detroit Free Press’ George Sipple has reported that Billy Powers is not returning.

Meanwhile, Michigan Tech has not named a replacement for Pearson; the Huskies have been without a head coach since April 24.

In his first season as their head coach, Muckalt lead the Storm to a USHL league championship. He also served as the head coach of the New Mexico Mustangs in the NAHL before joining Pearson’s staff at MTU in 2011.