David Carle has been the hottest name on the NHL coaching carousel, but he appears to have removed himself from it entirely.
Carle signed a multi-year contract extension to remain the University of Denver hockey coach, the school announced Monday. Terms were not disclosed, including the actual length of the deal.
“I am grateful for Chancellor Jeremy Haefner, Chairman John Miller, as well as the entire Board of Trustees and Vice Chancellor of Athletics Josh Berlo for their continued support of and investment in Denver hockey to ensure we maintain our position as the best college program in the country,” Carle said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to continuing to work with our student-athletes, coaches, administration, alumni, supporters, and fans over the coming seasons.
“Denver is home for me and my family.”
Carle has won two national championships and helped the Pioneers to four Frozen Four appearances in his seven seasons as the team’s head coach. DU won the national title in 2022 and 2024, and returned to the Frozen Four in 2025 before losing to eventual champion Western Michigan in the semifinals.
Along with four straight 30-win seasons with the Pios, Carle has also led the United States to back-to-back gold medals at the IIHF World Junior Championships for the first time in the country’s history. Carle has already said he will not seek a three-peat with Team USA next season.
Carle has been on the NHL radar for a few years now. He has interviewed with multiple NHL franchises in each of the past two years.
There are currently four NHL vacancies, plus three more coaches on interim contracts. Carle has stated on multiple occasions that he is in no rush to leave DU, and that he feels comfortable with where the Pioneers program fits in the hockey landscape.
Carle is fourth in Pios program history with 179 wins, and he’d move into third place next season. He is also 12-3 in NCAA Tournament play, the second-best winning percentage among coaches with at least 10 games.
“We are thrilled to have David continue to lead the exceptional legacy that is Denver hockey,” Berlo said in a statement. “His dedication and passion are second to none, and we look forward to furthering our partnership and building upon our NCAA-record 10 national championships as the most accomplished college hockey program all-time.”
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