It’s who, not when, for hiring new coach

Steve Staios is looking for a lifer.

Less than 24 hours after parting ways with head coach and general manager George Burnett, the Hamilton Bulldogs president said he intends to fill the vacancy with someone who “lives and breathes” hockey, someone who “wants to move up the ranks and wants to be really committed and dedicated to the coaching profession.”

Someone, he added, “who is a good person, who has a real passion for the game and is a lifer as a coach.”

That doesn’t mean, however, they need to commit to Hamilton for life. If the Bulldogs can attract some top-tier coaching talent — someone, say, with NHL experience — Staios said he will look at them for the job, even if there’s a chance they’ll move on a year or two down the road. If they can help build the franchise into what it deserves to be, “then I’ll consider it,” he added. “I’m open to all discussions.”

He’s also looking for a candidate who:

Brings energy to the rink every day

Understands player development

Is endearing to fans and the city

Embraces and is part of the community.

When it comes to experience, Staios is flexible. Finding someone with character who will work with him to build the club’s culture and identity is more important, for instance, than the stops on their resume — NHL, AHL or OHL included.

“I have my idea of the certain qualities and values that I believe our next head coach will need to have, but to sort of close the door on any coach from a different background, I think would be a mistake,” he said. “I want it open.”

The same goes for the hiring process. When pressed for a timeline, Staios said he doesn’t have one — there may be coaches interested in the position that are still coaching, “and I want to be respectful of that.”

The Hamilton native is clear he’s in no hurry to replace Burnett — the longtime Belleville Bulls boss who came to the city when owner Michael Andlauer purchased and relocated the team last year — although he has taken over his duties as GM. One thing Staios will say for certain is associate coach and assistant general manager Troy Smith won’t be involved in the decision. He’s already thrown his hat in the ring for the job.