In a surprising shift in his coaching career, Craig Berube — best known as the former head coach of the St. Louis Blues, where he led the team to a Stanley Cup title in 2019, and more recently behind the bench for the Toronto Maple Leafs — has officially touched down in Los Angeles and accepted a position on the coaching staff at the University of Southern California (USC).
Berube’s move from the NHL to the NCAA marks a significant pivot, bringing elite-level experience to the collegiate hockey scene. While USC is not traditionally known as a hockey powerhouse, insiders suggest that the university is making bold investments to elevate its program — and Berube’s arrival could be the cornerstone of that transformation.
Details of his role remain under wraps, but sources close to the program hint at a potential Associate Head Coach or Director of Hockey Operations position. His leadership and gritty coaching style are expected to have an immediate impact on USC’s culture and competitiveness.
