Yahoo Sports Devils' Sheldon Keefe Opens Up About Work-Life Balance Ahead of Reuniting With Family In Toronto
Like the rest of us, New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe is actively trying to achieve a healthy work-life balance.
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In addition to the title of head coach of an NHL team, he is a husband to his wife, Jackie, and father to two sons, Wyatt and Landon.
During his introductory media availability in New Jersey in late May, Keefe stressed how much his family meant to him and credited his wife with helping him make the decision to accept the offer from Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald.
"It was really through the support of my wife Jackie, who reminded me after a couple of days that you are a hockey coach, and you should take this seriously," he said. "Ultimately, her support really allowed me to spend the time in the process and have the conversations with Tom, not knowing where it was going to lead."
Now that half of the 2024-25 season is in the books, The Hockey News recently asked Keefe how he balances his multiple titles, and he provided an inside look into his current family dynamic.
"There is a lot to that," he said. "It has been one of the biggest challenges for me.
"We made the decision as a family for them to stay back in Toronto, so I have been here by myself, and they have been visiting, or I have been visiting them on off days and such. In fact, (on Sunday) I spent my off day in Michigan watching my son play hockey, then drove back to Toronto and flew back last night, so that was my day off to make sure I'm present."
Keefe's sons are aged 12 and 14 and, for most of their life, have called Toronto home.
"I wanted to make sure I am present for their life, but also felt it was really important to give them the stability to stay there. We were fortunate to spend nine great years in Toronto, and my kids were basically raised there; having that stability is important."
Jan 4, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe (center) stands behind the bench before the start of the third period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Being alone in New Jersey has allowed Keefe to put all of his efforts into his job and players.
"My wife is managing a lot, and I am doing what I can from here," he said. "I miss a lot, but it has also allowed me to really invest in this team and in my job here. I have terrific support from everybody to help me do that, and when time is allowed, the flexibility has been there to make sure I get some face time with them."
In New Jersey, Keefe has led the Devils to a record of 26-15-5 for 57 points. The club sits second in the Metropolitan Division and seventh in the League.
On Thursday, Keefe will reunite with his family as he returns to Toronto for the first time as a head coach since he was let go on May 9, 2024.
"It is great to get back there," Keefe said on Wednesday. "I will be able to have lots of friends and family in the building, and then also, just to see the faces around the arena […] there's a lot of people throughout the organization and through the building that you are used to seeing and are such a big part of your career."
The human element of the game goes beyond the players. It extends to the coaches as well. Some, like Keefe, make the ultimate sacrifice as what's best for the children will always take priority.
"I think that (the work-life balance) is the biggest challenge and something that I have tried to be better at as I have gotten older and more experienced in the League. It is also gaining the perspective that my kids are getting older fast. I have to value and cherish each moment."
Puck drop between the Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs will be at 7:00 P.M.
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