Quick Facts
Biography
Robert Emile Francis (born December 5, 1958) is a Canadian-born American former professional ice hockey player and coach. He was the head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes from June 1999 to February 2004. In 2002 Francis became the first Coyotes' coach to win the Jack Adams Award. He is the son of former NHL general manager and coach Emile Francis.
Coaching career
The Coyotes had chosen to hire Bob Francis, who over the past 2 years, had been the assistant coach for the Boston Bruins. His only NHL experience was with the Coyotes. Francis was fired in 2004 after a slow start, and was replaced by assistant coach Rick Bowness.
On April 26, 2006 Francis signed a two year-contract to coach HIFK in the Finnish SM-liiga. On December 19, 2006 Francis's contract was terminated.
| Team | Year | Regular season | Post season | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | L | T | OTL | Pts | Division rank | Result | ||
| PHX | 1999–2000 | 82 | 39 | 31 | 8 | 4 | 90 | 3rd in Pacific | Lost in first round |
| PHX | 2000–01 | 82 | 35 | 27 | 17 | 3 | 90 | 4th in Pacific | Missed Playoffs |
| PHX | 2001–02 | 82 | 40 | 27 | 9 | 6 | 95 | 2nd in Pacific | Lost in first round |
| PHX | 2002–03 | 82 | 31 | 35 | 11 | 5 | 78 | 4th in Pacific | Missed Playoffs |
| PHX | 2003–04 | 62 | 20 | 24 | 15 | 3 | (68) | 5th in Pacific | (fired) |
| Total | 390 | 165 | 144 | 60 | 21 | ||||
Personal
Although he was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, he spent much of his youth growing up in Long Beach, New York, while his father was coaching the New York Rangers. Bob Francis holds both Canadian and American citizenship. In September 2012, it was revealed that Francis has lost his balance and equilibrium and requires a walker to get around. The symptoms began showing during the 2003-04 NHL season. Francis also revealed his struggle with alcoholism, which played a key factor in his dismissal from HIFK.