Canadian curling legend Brad Gushue has turned down an offer to take the helm as Canada’s national curling coach, sending ripples through the sport’s community. Known for his remarkable career on the ice, which includes an Olympic gold medal and multiple Brier championships, Gushue’s decision has left fans wondering about the future of Canadian curling and his personal ambitions.
The Canadian Curling Association (CCA) reportedly approached Gushue with the offer, viewing his vast experience and strategic mind as the perfect fit to guide the next generation of curlers on the international stage. However, Gushue’s rejection signals his intent to remain focused on his playing career, where he continues to be a dominant force on the world curling stage.
Gushue explained his decision, stating that while coaching has always been an interest, his passion for competing remains too strong to step away from the ice. “I’m flattered by the offer and honored that they would think of me for such a significant role, but I’m not ready to move into coaching yet,” Gushue said. “There’s still a lot I want to achieve as a player, and I don’t feel like my playing days are behind me.”
At 44, Gushue remains one of the sport’s top competitors, continuing to win titles with his team, based out of St. John’s, Newfoundland. His recent performances, including a strong showing at the 2024 Brier, have only reinforced his desire to keep competing at the highest levels.
For Canadian curling, the decision leaves the CCA searching for a new candidate to guide the national teams, particularly as the next Olympic cycle looms large. Gushue, with his long-standing career and deep knowledge of the game, seemed like a natural choice to lead Team Canada back to the top of international curling after several years of mixed results.
Some fans and curling experts have expressed disappointment at Gushue’s rejection, believing that his expertise could have ushered in a new era for Canadian curling. “Brad has been one of the sport’s brightest minds for years, and he would have been a phenomenal coach for the next generation of curlers,” said one insider within the CCA. “But you can’t blame him for wanting to keep playing. He’s still at the top of his game, and we respect his decision.”
Gushue’s announcement also reignites the ongoing conversation about the transition from player to coach in the world of curling. For many athletes, the shift happens organically as their playing careers wind down, but Gushue’s continued dominance suggests that he still has several years left at the top level of the sport. The question remains whether he will eventually move into a coaching role after retirement, but for now, the focus is squarely on his pursuit of further titles.
As Canada looks to reassert itself as the top curling nation in the world, the search for the right coach will continue. In the meantime, Brad Gushue’s legacy as both a player and a potential future coach remains a major talking point in the curling world, as fans await his next steps both on and off the ice.
