Mike Babcock's coaching career appears to be over.

Perhaps the most decorated head coach in the sport of hockey appears to be calling it a career.

Earlier this week it was announced that long time National Hockey League head coach Mike Babcock would be stepping down from his volunteer role as head coach of the University of Saskatchewan men's hockey team, leaving one of his former players and an apparent protege in Brandin Cote to take over as interim head coach in his stead.

Some had speculated that this could signal a potential return to the NHL for Babcock but it would appear that, at least according to Babcock, nothing could be further from the truth. In a recent interview the former head coach of the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs revealed that a promise made to his wife Maureen some time ago was pulling him away from the world of coaching.

“The bottom line is, I promised my wife I’d retire when I’m 60. I’m 59 years old,” said Babcock as per the Vancouver Sun.

While Babcock wouldn't completely shut the door on a potential return to the NHL should an offer comes his way, the former Stanley Cup winner will turn 60 in April and based on his most recent statements it would appear that he intends to honor his promise to his wife.

“My plan all along was to retire at 60. I look at my siblings. I’ve got one a year older than me and two a year younger than me, and they’re all retired. My buddies in the Saskatoon Fire Department, they’re all retired. Maybe that’s something I should catch onto.”

There are certainly worse ways to ride off into the sunset. Although Babcock last worked in the NHL as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who fired him on November 20th of 2019, he remains on that organization's payroll even now and will earn $6.25 million for the upcoming 2022 - 2023 season in the final year of his contract with the Maple Leafs.

That is the kind of nest egg that will allow Babcock to retire comfortably, and enjoy quality time with his family and his loved ones.

“It’s time for Maureen and I to do what we want to do,” Babcock said, “so that’s what we’re going to do.”